200 saplings planted across 1,500 pyeong of the CGL plant, supported by the City of Altamira

POSCO Mexico took the lead in creating a “green forest” at its Altamira CGL Plant in collaboration with the City of Altamira and the Mexican Water Resources Agency during a tree-planting event held on September 27.

The event was attended by Mayor Armando of Altamira, German, Director of the Mexican Water Resources Agency, and POSCO Mexico President Woo-il Kim.

Altamira, home to many petrochemical complexes, has actively pursued various carbon reduction initiatives. One such project, the Green Forest initiative, provides free saplings to environmentally responsible companies, helping create green spaces.

As part of the Green Forest project, POSCO Mexico planted 200 saplings, including jacaranda trees, rosewood, and flame trees, across 1,500 pyeong of unused land at the CGL plant.

Since 2022, POSCO Mexico has collaborated with the Mexican Water Resources Agency on the ‘Oasis Project,’ which aims to address water scarcity by recycling water, contributing to cost savings, and preventing environmental pollution. The recycled water will also irrigate the newly created green forest.

Mayor Armando of Altamira expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you to POSCO Mexico for participating in the green space project to help reduce carbon emissions. POSCO Mexico, which has received ESR certification for eight consecutive years and actively engages in ESG management, is a source of pride for Altamira. Despite this year’s severe drought and abnormal weather, let’s continue to work together to overcome this crisis.”

President Woo-il Kim added, “POSCO Mexico is actively participating in solving Mexico’s environmental challenges, including the Green Forest initiative and the Oasis Project. We will continue strengthening our cooperation with the local community, leading efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address water scarcity as part of our commitment to tackling climate change.”

Meanwhile, a day before the event, POSCO Mexico employees and their families participated in the “Love Lunchbox” volunteer initiative, providing meals to residents in need.

▲On September 27, POSCO Mexico held a tree-planting event at its Altamira CGL Plant in collaboration with the City of Altamira and the Mexican Water Resources Agency. From left: POSCO Mexico President Woo-il Kim, Mayor Armando of Altamira, and German, Director of the Mexican Water Resources Agency.

The 2024 Global Volunteer Week, POSCO’s special volunteer service event, was held from May 23 to 31. More than 20,000 POSCO employees in Korea and other countries participated in large-scale volunteer work to practice sharing. POSCO Newsroom has taken vivid photos of the volunteer activities carried out by overseas subsidiary employees worldwide. Let’s meet them!

▲ The center director of POSCO-TNPC and eight employees made and delivered a donation set (including a 2-month supply of diapers) to support low-income families such as single mothers and disabled children at the Women’s Support Center in Bursa. It was meaningful in that the costs of the donated sets were funded by savings in electricity bills and costs associated with replacing the company’s LEDs and purchasing waste paper collection boxes.

▲ POSCO-ASSAN TST employees visited a kindergarten near its head office, created a new playground using waste wood, and performed environmental improvement by repainting old play equipment.

▲ POSCO-PWPC visited a nearby organization for disabled children and held an event to promote Korean culture through Korean language classes. The 10 participating employees communicated with the children by teaching them simple Korean greetings and writing their names in Korean.

▲ Four POSCO-Brazil employees conducted environmental cleanup activities at Bosque de Barra Park in downtown Rio de Janeiro on May 28.

▲ POSCO-Mexico employees volunteered to make bread at the Hope Center in downtown Altamira with officials from the Tamaulipas State Department of Welfare. This volunteer activity was especially meaningful in that employees and their families participated.

▲ Employees of four POSCO-MPPC factories carried out various volunteer activities for nine days. Employees of Factory 1 visited a local daycare center, painted classroom walls and floors, and cleaned vegetables and fruits to be delivered to nearby neighbors in need at a food bank. Employees of Factory 2 visited the government agency DIF and donated walkers, canes, and computers. They also visited a public kindergarten and donated playground equipment and computers. Employees of Factory 3 painted a government-supported soup kitchen, and those of Factory 4 visited a local orphanage and donated chairs.

▲ POSCO-MVWPC’s 42 employees visited a local school to paint the exterior walls of the school buildings and replace floor tiles, creating comfortable areas throughout the school to encourage students’ learning activities.

▲ All 52 employees of the AAPC Factory in the United States collected waste around each business site as part of their environmental cleanup activities.

▲ POSCO-America’s nine employees visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects and collected trash around the tombstone.

▲ POSCO-Australia employees held a joint event with KCCA, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and discussed plans for charity activities, and 55 members and their families participated in a charity walking competition to support children with neuroblastoma and completed a 5-kilometer walking course.

▲ POSCO-Western Australia employees conducted environmental cleanup by collecting trash around the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia and cleaned pollutants from the monument.

▲ Thirty-five members of the Mexican Trading Corporation’s volunteer group visited a child and youth protection center in Mexico City, donated various items, and interacted with the children by playing piñata, a traditional Mexican game. (Right) Eight members of the POSCO International Mexico Motor Core Corporation visited a nearby elementary school, presented a first aid kit, cleaning supplies, and school supply sets, and held a tree planting ceremony.

▲ (Left) Nine members of a volunteer group at POSCO International Brazil’s Sao Paulo office donated relief goods for recovery from a flood to victims of heavy rain in Ihu Grande do Sul, Brazil. (Right) Eleven members of the POSCO International BA branch’s volunteer group donated daily necessities and served dinner to low-income and disabled families in a slum in Buenos Aires.

▲ (Left) Eight members of the Bogota branch visited the Red Cross in Bogota and practiced love for their neighbors by donating blood. (Right) Five members of the Panama branch’s volunteer group visited the Panama Canal Miraflores Visitor Center to collect trash and carry out environmental cleanup activities.

▲ Volunteer groups at the German and Italian trading corporations visited a park near the head office and carried out environmental cleanup activities.

▲One hundred and nineteen members of the Uzbek Cotton Corporation’s volunteer group carried out environmental cleaning activities inside and outside the corporation’s factory and around the Fergana region.

▲ (Left) Five members of the Dammam branch’s volunteer group visited nearby Al Khor Beach and carried out environmental cleanup activities on the shore by collecting trash discarded by tourists. (Right) Six members of the Cairo branch’s volunteer group planted 20 lemon trees and 20 pomegranate trees around El Horreya Women’s Hospital.

▲ Eight members of the Johannesburg branch’s volunteer group carried out environmental cleanup activities by picking up trash around the branch office and removing fallen leaves that had been neglected for a long time.

▲ Eleven members of the Tokyo head office’s volunteer group planted flowers in flower beds at nearby Tsukiji River Ginza Park, cleaned up the area around the park, visited a senior center to clean balconies and windows on each floor and organized the garden.

▲ Members of the Osaka branch’s volunteer group visited a nearby orphanage and provided necessary items such as strollers, car seats, and rice and served meals to the homeless in the park.

▲ (Left) Thirteen members of the Nagoya branch’s volunteer group carried out environmental cleanup activities in the Nagoya Castle area. (Right) Twenty-six members of the Beijing branch’s volunteer group visited a nearby senior welfare center to donate necessary items, make meat dumplings, and serve a warm dinner to local seniors living alone.

▲ (Left) Five members of the Qingdao branch’s volunteer group visited a nearby cherry farm, helped with the harvest, purchased cherries produced by the farm, and donated them to a local nursing home. (Right) Six members of the Wuhan branch’s volunteer group visited a childcare facility and presented daily necessities and study materials to the children.

▲ (Left) POSCO-CORE’s volunteer group visited the Yanzi Lake’s Ecological Park near the company and carried out environmental cleanup activities. (Right) Forty-five members of PT. BIA’s volunteer group collected trash around the residences of Papua Palm Farm employees and maintained drainage channels.

▲ (Left) Eleven members of the Labor-Management Council-PT. BIA corporation’s volunteer group donated children’s art supplies to a kindergarten near the company. (Right) Five members of PT. KPE’s volunteer group delivered donations needed to cook lunch boxes to Sewan Village in Indonesia and then participated in cooking.

▲(Left) Twelve members of the Indonesia E&P Corporation’s volunteer group visited a major park in Jakarta and carried out environmental cleanup activities, collecting various types of trash. (Right) Twenty members of the MPCC volunteer group of the Myanmar PRC Corporation and hotel corporation donated 35 sacks of rice and towels for two months to Agape Orphanage Center and carried out residential environment improvement activities by replacing old roofs.

▲(Left) One hundred and twenty-nine members of the Gas Field Operations Office’s volunteer group visited the Yangon Education Center for the Blind and donated braille printing paper, shampoo, toothpaste, and various snacks. (Right) Thirteen members of the Singapore Trading Corporation’s volunteer group carried out volunteer work at the Lions Befrienders Senior Welfare Center by packing and donating goodie bags containing daily necessities such as ramen, canned food, biscuits, and toiletries.

▲(Left) Ten members of the Indian Motor Core corporation’s volunteer group provided snacks and school supplies to boarding schools for children from single-parent and low-income families. Twelve members of the Manila branch’s volunteer group carried out environmental cleanup activities at Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach. (Right) Seven members of the Sydney branch’s volunteer group participated in activities to remove parasitic trees and preserve native trees to protect the forest at the Field of Mars Reserve in Sydney.

Although the regions, environments, and languages ​​are different,
the hearts of POSCO Group executives and employees have become one through ‘sharing.’
POSCO Group’s volunteer activities for coexistence with the local community will continue in the future.
We ask for your interest and support!

Do you wonder about people active in POSCO’s overseas corporations in various countries? POSCO Newsroom presents vivid stories of employees of POSCO’s overseas operations. In Place 2, we will meet Marisol Soldevilla, the leader of the Order Management Team of the Process Management Department at POSCO-Mexico.

Hi, I am Marisol Soldevilla, the leader of the Order Management Team of the Process Management Department at POSCO-Mexico, which was established in the Industrial Port of Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico, in December 2006. POSCO-Mexico manufactures galvanized steel sheets for automobiles and home appliances using a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet process called Continuous Galvanizing Line (CGL). The production capacity increased from 400,000 tons per year in 2006 to 500,000 tons per year after adding a second production line in 2014 to meet the increasing demand. It now has a total annual production capacity of 900,000 tons. We supply our products to Nissan, Volkswagen, GM, Honda, and Chrysler in Mexico and automobile manufacturers in the southern United States.

POSCO-Mexico highlights the growth of Mexico. We are writing a success story centered around the Port of Altamira, the best logistics center in Latin America, by creating jobs and developing human resources. POSCO is committed to realizing its corporate value of pursuing social responsibility and public interest. We are continuing our efforts for shared growth with local communities and giving back to society, such as creating volunteer groups to improve the quality of life in the local communities.

I joined POSCO-Mexico on October 1, 2010, 4 years after I moved to Altamira, Tamaulipas from another region. Before joining POSCO-Mexico, I worked in the logistics of exporting and importing synthetic rubber to and from Asia, Europe, and the United States at a petrochemical company. I also had experience managing contracts with land and sea transportation companies.

Before moving to Altamira, I only knew that POSCO was a Korean company that manufactured steel sheets for automobiles. Residing in Altamira, I learned that POSCO was the first steel maker in the metropolitan area and that the company provided its employees with various opportunities to develop expertise. Having dreamed of developing work capabilities and skills to become a professional, I was convinced that joining POSCO was a new challenge and opportunity.

After joining POSCO-Mexico, I worked in the purchasing department, managing suppliers and utilizing my previous work experience. My work mostly involved purchasing raw materials such as chemicals, zinc, and packaging. After working in purchasing for two years, I moved to the logistics department, where I was responsible for managing the rail and truck transportation of rolls for export.

I manage the production plan, an important task that establishes work plans based on sales, raw materials, and delivery dates and ensures production without setbacks. I am proud that I am POSCO-Mexico’s guardian to fulfill promises strictly and protect customer trust and high quality.

Once I became a POSCO-Mexico member, I knew my confidence was correct. POSCO provided its employees many opportunities to improve their job capabilities and supported them in working under better conditions. Employees gained confidence and showed positive performance under the support of a stable company and were given opportunities for promotion.

POSCO-Mexico has created a collaborative work environment based on an organizational culture of members being considerate and communicating smoothly with each other. Employees can demonstrate their creativity, autonomy, and flexibility and achieve big and small results in their work thanks to the fun and supportive atmosphere. The company recognizes its employees’ achievements and encourages their continued growth.

I will introduce various programs that POSCO-Mexico carries out every year to support the healthy lives of its employees.

People with diverse cultural backgrounds work together at POSCO-Mexico. Cultural communication skills are the basic requirement for working in such a multicultural environment, and a soft attitude to communicate in situations that require cooperation and efforts to adapt to rapidly changing situations are also necessary. When I first worked with Korean employees, I was refreshed by their attitude of communicating directly and clearly and explaining necessary information efficiently and concisely. It is because Mexican employees tend to share various stories that may have nothing to the necessary information.

If any Korean employee wants to work at POSCO-Mexico, I advise them that it is important to learn Spanish and actively participate in smooth conversation and communication! I am studying more in Korea to improve my understanding of Korean culture. I am also learning the attitude of admitting mistakes and being punctual.

I am especially interested in Korean culture and trying to understand it better. I learned Korean to communicate smoothly without misunderstanding with Korean employees and made frequent opportunities to eat Korean food. Food best reflects the culture of a country! For example, I often drank Americano without sugar, which many Koreans enjoy. I also practice segregated trash collection and recycling like Koreans. As I studied Korean food and culture, I naturally got to understand Korean history, customs, and traditions.

Those in Korea may get closer to their POSCO-Mexico colleagues while eating traditional Mexican food.

I am a working mom who is raising a child while working. Maintaining a life balance takes a lot of effort for a working mom, but it is not impossible. I do my best at work, and when I am home, I think of my family’s happiness first. When my son comes home from school, I work out with him to relieve stress and then have a talk.

As in Korea, family is very important in Mexico, and there are many occasions when families gather. We keep a strong family relationship by gathering for christenings, weddings, and sports such as soccer. I also visit Altamira’s attractions with my family and have a good time whenever possible. I will now talk about the attractions of Altamira.

Due to the nature of the steel industry, there are many male leaders, but POSCO-Mexico recognized the experience and leadership of female employees like me without prejudice. I set my principles as a female leader and have always focused on them at work. I often communicated with my team members to fulfill my role as a focal point and built solidarity by taking an interest in my colleagues. I also focused on cultivating team members’ emotional intelligence to coordinate relationships among them and developing collaborative competency so that they can cooperate systematically and soundly.

Moreover, I maintained an attitude of thinking and acting in flexible and adaptable ways and kept an open mind about innovations and operational changes. POSCO-Mexico recognized my efforts and encouraged and supported me.

I intend to continue to work hard and become a leader who is a stepping stone for the growth of my team members. I want to create a rational work environment where my colleagues can freely present their ideas rather than just follow my opinions because I am their leader. I will communicate with my team members more often to implement new processes or ideas to increase the company’s profits. Of course, developing my work capabilities further and playing an active role as an expert at POSCO-Mexico is important! I will come out of the comfort zone before anybody and take a challenging path to achieve all these dreams.

In that sense, the Global Leadership Course for New Officials I received from POSCO in Korea this year was truly special.

During this training, I learned how to lead POSCO-Mexico employees and immerse them in their work. The training in Korea took place in May, but I had studied the roles and responsibilities required of a leader and how to adapt since March. I changed my mindset through the daily letter and learned leadership skills in many areas by watching video materials. In Korea, I was able to objectively reflect on how my actions affect my team members, identify improvement directions, and determine the optimum means of implementation in the future.

The leadership training in Korea was an opportunity to meet global leaders from many countries and form a network with them. Understanding each other’s tendencies and exchanging diverse opinions made me see many things differently. Thank you, POSCO Group, for giving me a useful experience and an opportunity to grow into a leader! Please watch as I contribute to creating an even better future for POSCO-Mexico.

POSCO-Mexico has actively explored solutions to the environmental challenges at Altamira Industrial Park, where there is a notable lack of green spaces. After eighteen months of dedication, the ‘With POSCO Green Forest’ initiative was inaugurated in October 2023. This project not only aims to heighten local awareness of environmental preservation but also strives to reduce air pollution. We warmly invite you to visit the ‘With POSCO Green Forest’ site, a place where life thrives, the air is purer, and a sustainable future is being carefully cultivated.

POSCO-Mexico commenced operations in December 2006 and launched its first continuous galvanizing line (CGL) at the Altamira Industrial Port in Tamaulipas in 2009. To meet increasing demand, the company enhanced its production capabilities by adding a second CGL in 2014, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to Mexico’s steel industry.

The Altamira Industrial Complex, home to POSCO-Mexico’s two hot-dip galvanized steel production facilities (CGL), serves as a center for chemical and logistics companies. This industrial activity leads to high levels of air pollutants, including sulfur oxides. Without significant green spaces to mitigate these effects, and compounded by frequent heatwaves and droughts, air pollution has become a critical social issue, posing health risks to the local population.

Committed to advancing corporate citizenship through community engagement and human resource development, POSCO-Mexico promptly acknowledged the urgent issue of air pollution. In response, the company launched a resolute effort to address it. After eighteen months of dedicated work, POSCO-Mexico reached a significant milestone in August 2023 with the establishment of the ‘With POSCO Green Forest,’ aimed at environmental improvement. We are delighted to share the journey of creating this forest with you.

Through the launch of the ‘With POSCO Green Forest’ initiative, POSCO-Mexico is set to develop a lush forest in Altamira Industrial Park, aiming to improve air quality and reduce pollution.

After thorough preliminary research, POSCO-Mexico proactively engaged stakeholders, underlining the urgent need to establish a forest. This concerted effort not only heightened awareness but also encouraged active participation. As a result, the municipal government of the involved Mexican city demonstrated its support by generously providing a 1.09-acre plot of land at no cost for the forest project, affirming the success of POSCO-Mexico’s initiatives.

POSCO-Mexico conducted extensive research on the Altamira region, the selected site for this forest, and customized the ecosystem to fit local conditions. The area’s tropical climate, marked by limited rainfall except during the rainy season from September to November, necessitated the design of an efficient irrigation system to support optimal tree growth. POSCO-Mexico cleverly tackled this challenge by integrating a tailored irrigation solution that supports the forest’s development.

POSCO-Mexico’s Sustainable initiatives feature rainwater recycling and the use of renewable solar energy. The effectiveness of these technologies led to their integration into the adjacent ‘With POSCO Smart Bus Stop’ project, which also supports the nearby forest. A rain gutter installed on the bus stop’s roof channels rainwater into a storage tank, from where it is then distributed via pipes to forest sprinklers that automatically water the trees at set intervals. This innovative system underscores POSCO-Mexico’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the smart bus stop, powered by solar energy and launched in 2021, offers a carbon-neutral solution that improves safety and convenience for residents, ensuring reliable bus service during extreme weather conditions.

POSCO-Mexico’s eco-conscious irrigation system has nurtured the development of a self-sustaining forest, now thriving independently. This milestone was celebrated by Mexican media with the headline, ‘Tamaulipas State, Mexico Welcomes Its First Self-Sustaining Forest.’

▲Mexican media highlighted ‘With POSCO Green Forest’ project.

POSAMI, POSCO-Mexico’s employee volunteer program, successfully implemented an Sustainable forest that utilizes rainwater recycling. Through eight planting initiatives, POSAMI has planted a total of 1,577 trees, comprising 175 oak trees and 1,402 fig trees. These species were chosen for their superior carbon absorption capabilities.

In September 2022, employees and their families participated in a tree-planting volunteer event, with children actively joining their parents in volunteer uniforms. Together, they not only planted trees but also deepened their understanding of environmental preservation. This event reinforced POSCO’s dedication to corporate citizenship and its commitment to creating a better world. In the ‘With POSCO Green Forest,’ approximately 1,577 trees, including those planted by the volunteers, have now taken root, symbolizing a beacon of hope.

The project’s success was due to a collaborative effort that involved close communication with the city government, neighboring companies, and a local university. POSCO-Mexico spearheaded the initiative by developing a comprehensive plan for the forest, designing the ecosystem, and organizing planting activities, all while actively engaging the community to garner support. The municipal government was instrumental in providing the land at no cost and facilitated the involvement of nearby companies. Six companies in the industrial park—M&G, AISTAC, Saavi, Orbia, Styropek, and Indelpro—donated resources and technologies to enhance the project’s success. Additionally, a local university contributed valuable expertise by creating aerial views of the forest and analyzing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) financial impacts.

To recognize the collaborative efforts, flags representing the contributing companies, POSCO-Mexico, and the Altamira municipal government were raised at the site. Additionally, a promotional video detailing the creation of the ‘With POSCO Green Forest’ is showcased on municipally owned LED boards, serving as a reminder to residents about the importance of environmental protection.

Furthermore, POSCO-Mexico inscribed five brands of corporate citizenship onto the exterior walls of five rainwater harvesting tanks to promote its corporate citizenship values and enhance its visibility.

Over the next decade, the lush green forest, which includes 1,577 oak and fig trees, is expected to absorb approximately 740 tons of carbon dioxide and produce 140 tons of oxygen. These activities are estimated to generate an economic benefit of $529,100. Additionally, the forest is set to reduce the local heat island effect and lower particulate matter concentrations, significantly improving air quality in the community.

POSCO-Mexico will track ESG impacts by systematically documenting changes in carbon and oxygen levels, and will get ready for the forthcoming Mexican cap-and-trade system and the tightening of environmental regulations. Continuing its efforts to set a global standard and lead in ESG, POSCO-Mexico remains dedicated to fulfilling its community responsibilities through diverse social contribution efforts.

]]> https://newsroom.posco.com/en/how-do-you-like-posco-the-story-at-posco-mexico/ Fri, 15 May 2020 09:30:37 +0000 Mexico is situated in a completely different time zone from South Korea, POSCO is also located here. Meet POSCO-Mexico, a POSCO Overseas, which produces premium galvanized steel used in automotive and home appliances. POSCO established POSCO-Mexico as a strategic base to enter the North American market. In 2006, POSCO constructed the *Continuous Galvanizing Line (CGL), capable of producing 400,000 tons annually. As demands for steel increased, additional facilities were built in 2014, and now the expanded total production reaches 900,000 tons.

POSCO-Mexico supplies automotive steel to automotive makers in Mexico — including Volkswagen, GM, Kia Motors, and Chrysler — and the Southern United States. About 500 employees in 12 different departments are working here. POSCO Newsroom got a chance to listen to the stories of the local employees at POSCO-Mexico.

Q1. Tell us briefly about yourself.

Q2. How did you decide to join POSCO? Is there anything special about working in a Korean company?

Q3. Tell us about the most challenging task that you’ve done here at POSCO-Mexico.

Q4. Tell us about the company changes made at the beginning of the year.

Q5. How would you manage the company if you become the President of POSCO-Mexico?

Q6. What could POSCO offer to grow more in the Mexican market?

Currently, many residents in Mexico have lost their jobs due to the recent spread of COVID-19. With the 1% Sharing Fund, the President and expatriates of POSCO-Mexico stepped forward and provided 100 kits of daily essentials, including rice, beans, and other food products for low-income residents. The POSCO Hope Center — which was originally completed in February to support the education of the underprivileged — is currently operated as the “COVID-19 Emergency Situation Room” by the Altamira city government.

POSCO-Mexico is taking care of the health of its employees as well. Considering the difficulty to secure face masks, the company provides two masks per week to all employees, and thoroughly monitors their health conditions. To ensure a hygienic work environment, POSCO-Mexico has installed hand sanitizers and non-contact thermometers.

Though living in different time zones and climates, POSCO-Mexico is taking the same path of POSCO’s “Corporate Citizenship” and building a better future together. POSCO Newsroom sincerely hopes that their future shines brightly at POSCO and that their positive influence would expand throughout Mexico.

＊As of April 21, Mexico raised the national COVID-19 alert level to its highest, “Fase 3”. This interview was conducted before the alert, and POSCO Newsroom would like to thank the three employees for joining the interview amid difficult circumstances.

* Related Article: Meet POS-AMI of POSCO-Mexico

On February 19, POSCO-Mexico held the inauguration ceremony of POSCO Hope Center (CENTRO DE ESPERANZA POSCO AMIGOS) in Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The center is to support the independence of low-income underprivileged people in the community.

An approximate 100 people attended the ceremony, including the Chairman of the state civic group, the State Minister of Economy, the Mayor of Altamira, the President of POSCO-Mexico Byung-Hwi Kim, the President of POSCO-MPPC Tae-Hyun Yoon, and the civic groups and local residents.

▲ The ribbon cutting of POSCO Hope Center

POSCO Hope Center has been constructed by POSCO-Mexico to support the livelihood of Altamira citizens. The site was provided by the Altamira City Government, and the state and civil organizations will be in charge of the program operating within the center.

Until present, there was a lack of systematic support programs for the underprivileged — including single mothers and the disabled — in Altamira. Through POSCO Hope Center, POSCO-Mexico plans to support residents to acquire professional skills for their living, such as baking and beauty.

“Companies such as POSCO-Mexico are outstanding examples not just in Tamaulipas but in Mexico as a whole. Altamira citizens will be able to benefit from POSCO Hope Center established by POSCO-Mexico. I express my gratitude and sincere congratulations to POSCO,” said Gonzalo Alemán Migliolo, State Minister of Economy.

POSCO Hope Center is a two-story building with a total floor area of about 1322m². The first floor has a playroom for children and space for practical training. The computer rooms and classrooms are located on the second floor. The outdoor space is to be used as a play area and shelter for the children of the trainees.

▲ POSCO Hope Center located in Altamira, Mexico

The steady community contribution activities of POSCO AMIGOS (POS-AMI: POSCO-Mexico’s volunteer corps) laid the foundation in the establishment of the POSCO Hope Center.

POSCO AMIGOS — its name meaning ‘POSCO friends’ in Spanish — has been engaging in various talent sharing, and donation activities to resolve issues of the local community since its founding in 2012. Making a beautiful school, improving the environment of the national kindergarten, donating wheelchairs to nursing homes, and making donation boxes are some of the activities of POS-AMI.

In September last year, the heartwarming story of an employee was introduced on Televisa, a Mexican national broadcaster. The employee’s daughter, who was suffering from acute pneumonia, was able to get treatment through the voluntary 1% salary sharing of other employees. This story was broadcasted along with POS-AMI’s other social contribution activities.

▲ POSCO AMIGOS (POS-AMI) story was introduced on a Mexican national broadcaster.

With the establishment of the POSCO Hope Center POS-AMI will voluntarily participate in various talent sharing activities, such as baking, handcrafts, English, and computers. The ultimate plan is to become a global model citizen by practicing POSCO’s management philosophy, “Corporate Citizen.”

Byung-Hwi Kim, President of POSCO-Mexico, said, “We hope that many trainees will be able to live independently and enjoy a better life with the help of the POSCO Hope Center. POSCO-Mexico will work on the mutual growth of both the company and the local community.”

Each year, GM Mexico evaluates its partners on 13 criterion, including process, quality and delivery for the Quality Excellence Awards.  

Gabriela Ruiz Osorio, POSCO-MPPC 2 plant manager, and Tae-hyun Yoon, head of POSCO-MPPC, receive the Supplier for Quality Excellence Award from GM Mexico

POSCO-MPPC received the highest grades in all areas of evaluation and was the only recipient in the local steel materials processing and supply category.

Over the years, POSCO-MPPC and GM Mexico have worked closely together to meet project deadlines and maintain a high standard of product quality. On one occasion, POSCO-MPPC dispatched a team of engineers to the GM San Luis Potosi (GM SLP) plant to address quality issues and quickly resolved defects in cooperation with the Technical Service Center (TSC). As a result, POSCO-MPPC received zero Problem Reporting & Resolutions (PRRs) and parts per million (PPM).

POSCO-MPPC produces and supplies as many as 43 blank products, including outer body plates for use in compact sedans and SUVs such as GM SLP’s main production models, the TRAX and AVEO.

Going forward, POSCO-MPPC hopes to establish itself as a global automotive steel plate supplier and continue to secure orders in the Mexican market. POSCO-MPPC is also planning to capitalize on its quality competitiveness to increase sales and reinforce its status as the best steel processing corporation in North America.

POSCO-MPPC has come a long way since the completion of its Plant 1 with a 170,000-ton capacity in Puebla in 2007. It then completed Plant 2, also with a 170,000-ton capacity in San Luis Potosi in 2008, and Plant 3 with a 130,000-ton capacity in Celaya in 2013.

It continued to expand in 2016 when it merged with MAPC, a processing corporation exclusively for Nissan Motor Corporation, and increased the blanking capabilities of Plant 3.

Currently, POSCO-MPPC provides premium-quality steel to its partners with an annual processing capacity of 630,000 tons.

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The opening of the POSCO America office in Atlanta was attended by more than 30 VIPs, including embassy dignitaries, POSCO executives, and customers.

Previously located in New Jersey, POSCO America’s move to Atlanta puts it in the center of the economic hub of the southeast region of the US and strategically close to the growing automobile and energy industries. The annual demand for steel in the southeast accounts for about 38% of the US’s total demand of 41 million tons. In addition, lower labor and logistics costs are helping the southeast revive the US manufacturing industry.

Many of POSCO’s customers are also concentrated in the southeast, including Hyundai, Kia, Kiswire, Caterpillar, GM, Honda, and other auto parts companies. Because Atlanta has become a transportation hub both regionally and nationally, it will be easier for POSCO to secure highly-skilled workers while also taking advantage of the inland transportation systems that provides easier access to key cities such as Houston, Mobile, New Orleans, Wilmington, and more.

POSCO America is laying the groundwork for an increase in demand for steel in the southeast region of the US. The office will act as a forward base for POSCO’s exports and contribute to the development of the region by creating demand for high-grade steel. Moreover, moving beyond the role of a basic steel provider, POSCO America will provide high-quality customer service in real time, becoming a “Total Solution Provider,” working closely with its sales offices in Detroit, Houston, and Mexico, as well as its regional technical service centers.

Since its establishment in 1984, POSCO America has been exporting its products to the Americas and managing local joint venture corporations. The office will act as the regional headquarters of POSCO America with over 40 employees working to support sales and technical teams for regional clients while also helping to support POSCO’s affiliates and subsidiaries in the US.

POSCO America represents 24 corporate investments, subsidiaries, and affiliates in the Americas. Major production and sales subsidiaries in the Americas include POSCO Canada which mines and sells coal from Canada; UPI, a joint venture between POSCO and US Steel; the Alabama Coil Production Center; POSCO Mexico, which produces and sells plated products; and CSP, an integrated steel mill jointly founded with Dongkuk Steel, which produces and sells slabs. As POSCO Group affiliates, POSCO Daewoo and POSCO E&C are active throughout many places in the Americas.

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Last year, POSCO strengthened its competitive edge by stably supplying high-quality materials to GM’s global plants throughout South Korea, Mexico and India. POSCO has also focused on maximizing synergy for both companies by enhancing the executive ability for solutions marketing. In particular, the technical council jointly operated by POSCO and GM is constantly creating new business opportunities as a venue for joint development of steel materials and technologies to be applied to new cars.

POSCO’s global marketing infrastructure and the TSC (Technical Service Center)* are considered to be the company’s strengths that differentiate it from its competitors. POSCO has provided customized solutions for each of GM’s global plants and reinforced cooperation based on these strengths, putting itself in a position to be qualified as GM’s Supplier of the Year for two consecutive years.

POSCO actively supported GM’s strategies to increase the purchasing of local materials by completing quality certification and initiating supply of side plate materials manufactured by POSCO Mexico for GM’s Mexico-based plant. In addition, it has supplied low unit weight materials from the headquarters for GM’s plant in India, providing optimized solutions for the needs of each global GM plant while constantly contributing to stabilized production and increased efficiency of clients.

This year, POSCO will continue to enhance its global marketing competitiveness by expanding the scope of convergence solution marketing based on world premium products and further strengthening its partnership with GM.

The GM Supplier of the Year Award, established in 1992, is given to suppliers that go above and beyond GM’s requirements based on quality, service, technology and price. Criteria are evaluated by a group of executives in the fields of procurement, engineering, quality, manufacturing and logistics. This year, 110 companies were selected as recipients of the award.

* POSCO TSC (Technical Service Center) is an organization providing an integrated solution of EVI (Early Vendor Involvement) and technical services for clients using POSCO’s steel materials. It is operated in 23 locations worldwide including South Korea, China, the Americas, Europe and Southeast Asia with an aim to provide customized care and complete local solutions for global clients.

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POSCO-America TSC (Technical Service Center) is strengthening its technical services and solution-based marketing support for its US and Mexican clients. The company opened last year with two offices in Mexico City, the capital and largest city in Mexico; and Birmingham, Alabama. Past January, it opened one more place of business in Houston, Texas. Based in these three cities, POSCO-America TSC is engaging in technical services and EVI (Early Vendor Involvement) activities for its clients in North and Central America, in which automotive and energy steel products are in high demand. Mexico is a global automotive industry hub. World’s top-notch automakers such as Nissan, GM and Volkswagen have active business operations in the country.

POSCO-America TSC Mexico City is currently focusing on automotive industry, providing technical services while working hard to develop new clients. It is also pursuing a certificate in automotive steel products. In an effort to increase the sales of steel products produced by POSCO and its local sales unit, POSCO-Mexico, the company is exchanging information with local processing centers and distribution corporations. POSCO-America TSC is scheduled to open a new business operation in Detroit, Michigan, within this year. Many global automobile manufacturers have headquarters and R&D centers in the city. Once it is opened, the Detroit office will dedicate itself to providing technical services for car companies in North America, as POSCO-America TSC Birmingham does.

Houston along with Scotland’s Aberdeen are two of the global energy industry hubs.  Located in Houston are companies from various sectors of the energy industry, such as Exxon Mobil, Shell, EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) corporations and equipment fabricators. For this reason, POSCO-America TSC Houston is striving to get information about new business opportunities, by engaging closely with its key clients. As a result of all these efforts, POSCO-America TSC successfully signed a contract to supply GI (galvanized steel) products to a major US truck maker. Upon hearing that the GI materials the truck maker had been supplied were often flawed, POSCO-America TSC proposed a solution, in an effort to win trust from the company (and it worked perfectly!). The employees of POSCO-America TSC Mexico City demonstrate a high level of satisfaction with their everyday lives, due much to mild climate and friendly locals.

In addition, they take a great pride in representing POSCO’s automotive and energy steel business in the country with great growth potential. Living up to the motto, ‘POSCO the Great’, all the employees of POSCO-America TSC will enhance its efforts to provide its clients with upgraded technical services and solution-based marketing support. In addition to pursuing a certificate in automotive steel products, POSCO-America TSC will seek to strengthen partnership with key clients through more frequent contact with them. The company also plans to form a consultative group with local manufacturers, to improve the quality of its products.