What is QSS+?

QSS is a tailored and upgraded version of Six Sigma, a popular technique used in many businesses to reduce defects and variabilities in manufacturing and business processes. Moving beyond creating a clean workplace and restoring facility performance, POSCO further upgraded QSS to QSS+ in August 2014 to include My M&S (Machine & Safety) activities, designed specifically to build a more efficient and safer working environment.

Through QSS+, POSCO has been able to drastically improve its facilities by establishing standard manufacturing processes. They worked to make raw material and inventory management more efficient and reallocated working spaces for increased productivity. Since 2006, POSCO’s unique innovation program has helped its employees to complete over 8,000 assignments designed to improve the production line. Such efforts resulted in reducing the concentration of fine dust, equipment failures, and improving the operation rate up to 95%.

Executives and department heads inspect facilities as part of the My M&S initiative.

QSS+ Success Story

POSCO applied QSS not only to its steel mills but also to its family companies and overseas subsidiaries. In China, the first QSS leadership training and master workshop were launched in 2011, and after one year, Qingdao Pohang Stainless Steel became the first overseas subsidiaries to be QSS-certified. In 2015, POSCO China chose four representative branches to lead My M&S activities.

In 2013, POSCO Vietnam successfully completed facility restoration activities named ‘My Machine’ at 11 different facilities as well as 19 other QSS assignments. In 2016, It became the first facility in Southeast Asia to begin using QSS+, tailoring it for their multiple branches.

In Pohang, Korea, four plants drastically lowered the concentration of fine dust in the steelworks from 80mg/m2 in 2007 to 50.3mg/m2 in 2013. Also, in 2016, they launched ‘Smart M&S’ – a program that works to integrate ‘My M&S’ safety improvements with its smart factory, helping it to become safer and more efficient at the same time.

Facilities before (left) and after (right) carrying out a systematic inspection through My M&S Activities.

Initiating programs like QSS are not easy. Because factories are running 24 hours a day, it can be difficult for workers and management to see how individual steps can improve an entire system. According to Kim Dukbae, POSCO’s first QSS Master, “QSS+ was able to become a strong pillar of POSCO’s operations because the leadership team and employees took the initiative to constantly improve and transform our operations…”

QSS+ is now established as a goal-oriented and innovative program that focuses on the three elements of quality, stability, and safety. Thanks to QSS+ and its advancement over the past decade from Six Sigma and QSS, POSCO has been able to establish safe and healthy manufacturing sites. POSCO will continue to apply QSS+ in every level of its organization in order to ensure its position as an industry leading steelmaker.

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The POSCO Umbrella Facility is part of POSCO’s initiative to build an “integrated group fund management system.”* POSCO affiliates that are a part of this system will be able to borrow money under the same conditions and at the same interest rates as the rest of the group without the need to negotiate with banks individually. The 10 integrated processing subsidiaries in China attended the signing ceremony.

POSCO China hosted the POSCO Umbrella Facility signing ceremony. Clockwise, from the left back row: Dongwook Han, CEO of BNPP Korea; Seonghee Han, CEO of POSCO China; Wonhee Kim, leader of the Fund Group; Gicheon Eom, head of the integrated processing subsidiary; Yongsam Song, head of the Management Strategy HQ at POSCO China; and, Lawrence Mak, CEO of BNPP China.

POSCO affiliates in China now have three methods in place for funding their operations – the new Umbrella Facility, plus China Cash Management (CCM) and Over Draft (O/D) – allowing them to raise up to US$800 million worth of RMB. Because POSCO China, as the group’s representative subsidiary, is now in charge of raising funds, individual subsidiaries are freed from the need to do so themselves. As a result, individual subsidiaries can concentrate their energy on their business performance.

Also planning on participating in the POSCO Umbrella Facility in the future are the POSCO production subsidiaries in China: Zhangjiagang Pohang Stainless Steel, Qingdao Pohang Stainless Steel and Guangdong CGL. POSCO is planning to solidify the POSCO-style Treasury Center in China by implementing the POSCO Umbrella Facility with five or six banks in addition to BNP Paribas.

* Integrated group fund management system is in which the headquarters takes charge of raising long-term financing, POSCO Asia (POA) raises US dollars, and the representative subsidiaries are in charge of raising funds in local currencies.

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To achieve this objective, POSCO Group University launched its first training program for in-house lecturers in overseas affiliates last year. This training program establishes a sense of identity for employees at overseas affiliates. It aims to help employees feel connected to POSCO and promotes global talents in a more structured way.

Aradhana Supakar, an in-house lecturer of POSCO-India said “The training material is very well prepared and comprehensive. It helps us to understand different aspects of our company in a very simple way, which leaves a long-lasting impression in the mind of the trainee.”

After going through the training process, these new instructors will be in charge of providing on-site training for employees in overseas affiliates. Through this training program, they will spread POSCO’s values and management policies, thus creating Global One POSCO.

Supakar said, “The training session was very constructive and useful. Through the skills and tips acquired from the training, I could successfully go through my first training session with POSCO-India employees and share POSCO’s values and policies.”

POSCO GTaLK Spreads Message of Global One POSCO

POSCO Group University trained a total of 82 outstanding employees from eight different countries around the world. Exceptional candidates from China, Japan, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, the U.S. and Mexico were selected for the Training the Trainer program.

“Background knowledge and experience of a trainer is really important,” stated Ms. Chadapron Aoibumrung, an in-house lecturer of POSCO-TBPC. She continued, “If the lecturer (trainer) has knowledge and ability related to the topic, as well as special training techniques, he or she will build trust and reliability with the trainees.”

Each lecturer was given a special POSCO training package called POSCO Global Teaching and Learning Kit, or simply called GTaLK for short. The kit contains textbooks, videos and a PowerPoint file of the teaching plan and materials.

Vipin Kumar Sharma, an in-house lecturer of POSCO-India said, “GTaLK is very useful, it gives us ideas about the contents of the training program and it shows different ways that we can deliver our program and even enhance our knowledge.”

POSCO GTaLK covers 18 essential subjects, including management philosophy, leadership, the steel making process and product knowledge. These core subjects are essential for all POSCO members. The kit was translated into English, Chinese and Japanese and has been distributed to a total of 60 overseas affiliates.

Supakar said “All the GTaLK contents are so well-organized and synced that it makes the job of a lecturer (trainer) quite smooth and efficient.”

Understanding and spreading the message of POSCO GTaLK effectively is considered the most important factor that helps establish a sense of identity for employees at overseas affiliates.

Mrs. Jeong Min Kim, leader of POSCO Group University Global HRD Group, said “The current in-house trainers are training overseas employees around global offices, bringing POSCO one step closer to the ideal as Global One POSCO. Together we are spreading POSCO’s values and leadership among overseas affiliates.”

The POSCO Training the Trainer program was developed in order to strengthen human resource development and to provide more structured support and training for those working at overseas affiliates. But this was just a first step.

Mr. Minsan Park, manager of POSCO Group University, said “POSCO wants to actively utilize representative office in each country to provide localized educational opportunities. As a first step, we initiated the Training the Trainer program by training in-house lecturers of POSCO overseas affiliates.”

Building Strength from Within

In-house lecturers (trainers) who successfully complete the entire curriculum become POSCO-certified trainer. It is then their duty to train overseas employees on common values and company policies. Through this training, POSCO aims to help employees establish their identity as members of the POSCO Group, regardless of nationality or position.

With the support from POSCO Group University, GTaLK lecturers can train overseas employees. Mr. Minsan Park also said “We want to systematically train our overseas employees, so that we can deliver and balance out headquarter-level content with overseas affiliates.”

Before POSCO Group University developed GTaLK, there was no training standard for overseas managers, so it was difficult to provide practical support globally, but now with this new training program, everyone is on the same page, collectively aiming for global success.

Mr. Sharma stated, “POSCO’s global training and GTaLK highly enhances the process of the training program and knowledge acquisition. The systematic training program allowed me to easily train our employees without difficulties.”

Through the in-house training program, POSCO can promote and nurture future talents and develop dedicated employees, helping them to feel fulfilled and appreciated at the work-place. This trickles down the chain of command, as local in-house lecturers use GTaLK to ensure unity and connectivity with all employees of POSCO affiliates, thus building Global One POSCO.\

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POSCO-America is a subsidiary of South Korean steelmaker POSCO. It operates steel production and processing facilities as well as sales offices and technical service centers to better serve customers. It is also responsible for the execution of its growth strategy and management of existing subsidiaries and investments. POSCO-America is constantly creating remarkable value through high quality products and innovative solutions. Let’s get to know POSCO-America and take a look at some of its activities.

Representing Global Corporations

POSCO-America has been around for over thirty years since its establishment in 1984 and its role has expanded greatly from the initial management of its joint venture UPI (USS-POSCO Industries). Today, POSCO-America’s role includes sales development, technical solutions, customer servi
ces as well as management of POSCO group companies in the Americas.

Wonki Kim, president of POSCO-America said, “POSCO-America is striving to generates synergies amongst our various entities as POSCO’s representative company in the Americas.” POSCO is also committed to this objective. In fact, POSCO has invested a total of $1.9B in the Americas spread over 25 entities since POSCO- AMERICA’s establishment. POSCO has made various investments in steel production & processing facilities, sales offices and technical service centers to better serve customers in the Americas region.

In addition to its headquarters in New Jersey, POSCO- AMERICA’s footprint extends beyond the US to Mexico and South America.

Since its inauguration as the representative company in March of 2015, POSCO-America carries itself with a larger sense of responsibility. Kim stated, “Figuring out how to generate synergy projects amongst the various POSCO family companies in the Americas is what matters most.” POSCO- AMERICA is also focused on creating value for customers through Solution Marketing which incorporates application technology (technical solution), customer support (commercial solution), and heart-to-heart relationship (human solution).

Global One POSCO Opens Lines of Communication

Communication is often said to be the key to success and POSCO makes a great effort to maintain an open line of communication. In fact, the company shares all of its ideas through a Synergy Portal where members of each POSCO family company can join and suggest ideas as well as opinions at any time. Even results of each meetings are shared without omission through this system.

According to Young Jin Kim, CFO of POSCO- AMERICA, the Synergy Portal serves as an infrastructure in maximizing POSCO- AMERICA’s efficiency and competitiveness by allowing the free flow of ideas, information, opinions, questions, and suggestions.

Building Communities

POSCO- AMERICA makes great effort to create a sense of unity and solidarity among employees. One of the ways POSCO-America pursues this cooperative environment is by involving in a diverse range of community activities. These activities include repairing rundown houses, volunteering to distribute food for people in need, and tree planting.

POSCO-America also holds a monthly meeting where all employees discuss the overall performance of the company. Each department shares its performance, issues and plans. Through this activity Young Jin Kim hopes to “raise a sense of corporate belonging and pride as employees of POSCO.”

Different studies conducted around the world show that sharing a meal together can create and build a sense of community among colleagues. For this reason, POSCO- AMERICA incorporates a large and open multi-purpose area where employees can congregate and enjoy lunch together. Even in the workspace, POSCO-America employees can interact freely with each other due to this open space design.

And this is only the beginning. “We’re in the process of creating a mentoring program to increase employee satisfaction,” noted Young Jin Kim. “This program will match a supervisor or any manager with entry-level employees, and build an environment where mentors can provide useful tips to entry-level employees.”

POSCO-America has its future mapped out and the aim is to build a bond, not only within the company, but also the local community. POSCO is truly creating a sense of belonging for POSCO-America, its employees and the local people and has many more fun and engaging activities lined up for 2016.

 
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Since July, POSCO Group University has visited overseas affiliates in China, Japan, India and Vietnam   to operate the “Program for New Leaders” and the “Internal Instructor Fostering Program” based on its Global Teaching and Learning Kit (GTaLK). As POSCO expands its global businesses, the steelmaker is conducting the systematic global talent program across group levels, allowing all members of POSCO Group to receive equal growth opportunities regardless of their company or nationality.

Selected employees from 35 overseas affiliates in six countries including China, Japan, India, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, attended the “Program for New Leaders” and “Internal Instructor Fostering Program,” which were conducted for the first time. Employees working at local affiliates of POSCO E&C, Daewoo International and POSCO ICT also received the training.

“Program for New Leaders” is designed to provide practical assistance for new leaders to establish goals and properly implement leadership roles. Eighty-two local employees who completed the program learned about POSCO’s vision and history, as well as the roles and responsibilities of POSCO Group leaders and management skills needed in leadership roles.

Employees at POSCO-Maharashtra celebrated their completion of the New Leadership Program, which ran for 3 days from October 5.

The 59 local employees who participated in the “Internal Instructor Fostering Program” will soon be responsible for conducting various internal trainings including those focused on POSCO Group’s management philosophy and headquarter policies. POSCO Group University will foster 25 additional local internal instructors in cooperation with POSCO-South Asia, POSCO-America and POSCO-Mexico by the end of this year, and plans to award excellent instructors.

In addition to the training programs, POSCO Group University created GTaLK, a series of educational materials and online lectures on 18 subjects such as value sharing, leadership, management and product knowledge. GTaLK has been distributed to 60 overseas affiliates in three languages—English, Chinese and Japanese—and is expected to play an important role in strengthening core competencies and enhancing local affiliates’ own training programs.

The Global Teaching and Learning Kit (GTaLK) centers on 18 subjects that are essential to strengthening the core competencies of employees working for overseas affiliates.

Here’s what a few POSCO employees had to say about the company’s training programs and kits:

Yang-dong Park / POSCO-JAPAN
“Participating in the new leadership program was a valuable experience for me to equip myself with basic competencies as a POSCO Group leader and to reevaluate the role of leaders. I will strive to become a leader who can be a role model to subordinates. ”

Chiranjeev Maini / POSCO-India
“After completing the internal instructor fostering program, I could feel the sense of unity as one of POSCO Group’s members, and gained confidence as an instructor. I will actively perform my role delivering POSCO HQ’s management philosophy and policies accurately and effectively.”

Santitad Paimai / POSCO-South Asia
“This program helped me to better understand POSCO HQ’s global training policy. The English version of the latest training kit will be helpful in teaching as an internal instructor in the future.”
POSCO Group University plans to expand its global training infrastructure to foster superior global talent who will lead the future growth of overseas affiliates through close operation with overseas representative affiliates.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index is the most trusted international sustainability evaluation index in the world. It is developed by the Swiss sustainability evaluation institution, RobecoSAM, and the U.S. financial information provider, the Dow Jones.

POSCO is one of only 42 steel companies included in the DJSI. POSCO received the highest scores in areas including risk management, supplier management, contribution to society and environment and participation of interested parties. POSCO has been included in the DJSI longer than any Korean company.

“We will share the results with the related departments and further improve POSCO Group’s sustainable growth in shared growth, labor and human rights and safety and hygiene, with the expectation to promote social empathy for sustainability among a range of interested parties, including investors,” said a representative from POSCO.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index selects the top ten percent of companies in each industry among the 2,500 companies total listed in the Indices as leaders of sustainability, based on media polls, corporate monitoring and surveys.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index is also used by a number of socially responsible investment (SRI) funds and financial services providers. Companies with a high level of sustainable growth can dominate the business climate by fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities while achieving stable growth and sustainable development through risk management in economic, environmental and social areas.

The blades wielded by the Game of Thrones characters have become synonymous with the show itself, and hardcore fans across the world pay a lot of money to get their hands on replicas of the iconic swords, which each have their own special characteristics and names, like Blackfyre, Dark Sister and Longclaw. But, what makes these weapons so extraordinary?

A Mythical, Magical Metal  

The secret behind the swords’ superiority is the material of which they were forged: Valyrian steel. This mythical alloy, manufactured in the ancient empire of the Valyrians, is noted to be exceptionally sharp and tremendously strong, yet lightweight, making it an ideal metal for a sword. Its rippled patterns make it distinctive from other metals, and because of these properties, the steel is quite scarce and very expensive. Yet what makes Valyrian steel swords most unique and powerful is the fact that they are forged with magic spells and dragonfire in a sword making process that was all but lost over the ages.

While the fictitious alloy was more than likely the result of imaginative thinking than the consultation of chemistry books, George R. R. Martin, author of the A Song of Ice and Fire novel series on which the show is based, drew inspiration from real-life ancient weaponry, more specifically Damascus steel, to dream up the material.

Real-life Inspiration

Similar to its imaginary predecessor, Damascus steel, which originated in South India before the Common Era, was primarily used to make long-bladed weapons which were reputed to be tough, shatter-resistant and able to be honed to a sharp, resilient edge.

Additionally, the blades possessed the distinctive rippled patterns which resembled flowing water. It is said that Islamic knights would look at these patterns before a battle to be reminded of the flowing waters of the rivers of paradise, and be reassured that should they fall, their place in paradise would be secured.

Of course, there were no fire-breathing dragons or wizardry involved in the forgery of these blades, and the metal’s properties weren’t as ideal as those of Valyrian steel. The material did give rise to a number of legends, however.

It was believed that a blade made of Damascus steel could effortlessly cut through a rifle barrel, or cut in half a silk scarf falling across the blade. Some even say that Damascus steel swords were the strongest blades used in the Crusades. Whether there is any truth to these legends or not, the swords were undoubtedly extraordinary for their time.

Also like Valyrian steel, the original method of production of Damascus steel was eventually lost, and the manufacturing of the patterned swords ceased around 1750.

Although Damascus steel blades may be long gone, these intricate swords have been reincarnated, albeit fictitiously, and can continue to be admired, thanks to the Game of Thrones series, which airs on Sundays at 9PM Eastern Standard Time on HBO.

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Haeundae Beach, a picturesque stretch of white sand in eastern Busan, is vital to the southern coastal city in that it operates as one of the biggest tourist destinations in Korea. Each summer, millions flock to the beach to soak up the sun, feast on succulent seafood and partake in a number of festivals and watersports.

The district’s landscape has undoubtedly changed over the years, but is more vibrant and dynamic than ever before, boasting a slew of natural, historical and contemporary tourist destinations.

Haeundae’s Most Loved Landmarks

Perhaps one of Haeundae’s most cherished landmarks is Dongbaek Island, which is actually now an extension of the mainland. Shrouded in dongbaek trees and evergreens, the small, lush island is an ideal place to be in the midst of Mother Nature herself.

Nurimaru APEC House (Image source: http://bit.ly/1EWMLWi)

Situated on the tip of Dongbaek Island is the Nurimaru APEC House, which was constructed in preparation for the 17th APEC summit in 2005 and has since become representative of Busan. The building’s roof was designed to complement the curves of the island on which it sits, and it offers impressive views of the district’s coastline.

Yonggungsa Temple (Image source: http://bit.ly/1QlqUM0)

On the opposite end of Haeundae lies Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which was first built in 1376. This Buddhist temple is not only serene, but is extremely unique in that unlike most Korean temples, which are located in the mountains, it is set on a cliff overlooking the ocean. In addition to Buddha’s Birthday, when the temple is canopied in colorful lanterns, crowds flock here on New Year’s Day to watch the first sunrise of the year.

Another favorite Haeundae hotspot is the Sea Life Busan Aquarium, which is home to about 250 species and 35,000 marine animals. Children and adults of all ages enjoy the regularly scheduled activities and shows, and visitors can even have the chance to scuba dive with sharks in the main tank.

While these are the area’s most recognized destinations, another addition to Haeundae’s sandy shore is in the works and it promises to emerge as a representative landmark, contributing greatly to the area’s tourism industry.

A New Addition to Busan’s Best Beach

On April 17, POSCO E&C (CEO Tae-Hyun Hwang) signed a construction contract for a “Haeundae tourist resort city development project” with LCT PFV, the lead developer of the project, which will include a 101-story tower and two 85-story residential buildings, at an expected total cost of 2.7 trillion won.

The Landmark Tower Residence Hotel will consist of 561 standard units and 260 luxury units, and the two residential towers will accommodate 882 households. The complex will also be a one-stop-shop for all things lifestyle, complete with facilities for leisure, recreation, shopping and business.

POSCO E&C has been selected as the contractor for this project because of its brand value, construction capabilities and straightforward financing. Furthermore, POSCO E&C has a record of completing a number of large urban development projects, such as the Northeast Asia Trade Center in Songdo International City.

CEO Tae-hyun Hwang noted, “Through this project, POSCO E&C will prove its technical skills and construction abilities by perfectly constructing the complex, a future landmark of Busan. Also, we will use this as an opportunity to contribute to the development of the domestic construction business.”

So, the next time you’re in Haeundae enjoying all the wonderful things it has to offer, be sure not to miss any of its iconic destinations and catch a glimpse of the construction project that will most certainly be the city’s next representative landmark.

It is rightly said that winning teams don’t just form overnight.

Organizations invest a huge amount of time and money into their employees to develop teams with high potential by hosting continuous training programs and skill-building activities. Organizations competing in the global marketplace often implement strategic human resources programs, innovative employee engagement activities and reward and recognition practices. In today’s world, the main reason why companies implement such initiatives is to develop the core competencies of their employees at various levels. Companies do this by encouraging interpersonal and cultural sensitivity, developing individuals, managing skills and increasing the motivation of team members, which in turn enables managers to communicate with team members constructively and effectively.

Considering this scenario and the need for development, POSCO-India, a fully owned subsidiary of POSCO, in partnership with Korea and representatives of POSCO’s family companies in India, took its first initiative in October 2014 to develop an education structure for employees based on their hierarchy and levels in POSCO family companies.

The structure was designed after conducting a thorough analysis for 45 days through various face-to-face interviews, surveys and interactions with employees from eight POSCO family companies. The survey outcome was further discussed with POSCO Group University in Korea to develop a Common Education Structure for POSCO family companies in India that will also align with POSCO’s global education structure. POSCO-India identified three categories of training based on improving business performance, competency-based learning, developing leadership skills and aligning with POSCO’s core values.

The following were the three different categories and courses:

a. Leadership Course
Team Leader Course, Labor Management, Effective Coaching
b. Common Course
POSCO Values sharing, Business Etiquettes, Basic Discipline
c. Job Course
Technical Training, Negotiation Skills, Time Management

For any organization to evolve and sustain in the long run, team leaders and managers need to be aligned with their roles and responsibilities, ethics and values, and people management skills at different levels. POSCO-India realized this opportunity and introduced its first leadership competence course for POSCO family team leaders in December 2014. The course was held at Pune for three days from Dec. 14 to 17, enabling participants to gain an in-depth understanding of a team leader’s role in POSCO and educating them on how POSCO leaders handle critical situations. Thirty-three team leaders from eight POSCO family companies participated in this course.

This overall course emphasized an in-depth understanding over five topics:

1. POSCO Management Philosophy & Core values
2. Appreciation Culture
3. Role & Responsibility of a POSCO Leader
4. Personality assessment profiling
5. Situational Leadership, Emotional intelligence & Handling Conflicts.

Participants who attended the course were given a completion certificate duly signed by POSCO-India’s chairman and managing director. The three-day course was concluded with a group photo and a ceremony to thank the participants.

Subsequent to the successful completion of the team leader course in December, POSCO-India launched its second leadership competence course for managers on the topic of “Labor Management and Industrial Relations” at POSCO-IDPC in Bawal, Haryana in January. Labor management and relations is one of the most sensitive topics and is a major area of focus for organizations dealing with a variety of people. Taking the overall initiative forward, various courses from all three categories will be introduced for employees in the coming months. POSCO-India is collecting nominations for employees for the next six months from all the family companies who will participate in the courses throughout the financial year. This will give employees an opportunity to participate in each course and also gives a chance to team leaders to nominate their team members depending on the current training needs and their development areas.

With POSCO-India’s firm belief in human resource development and as representative of POSCO family companies in India, we hope to successfully move forward with our vision to develop a strong education structure and promote leadership, which will lead to more successful stories for POSCO globally.

Read on to find out more about what steel is used for and how steel is weaved into our daily lives.

Surprise #1) Steel brings amusement to our lives!

Have you experienced the excitement of amusement parks and the thrill of roller coasters? Without steel, you would not be able to enjoy roller coasters!

Roller coasters go back to the 17^th century, but they first appeared in 1817 in Paris, France. It then spread to the U.S. in the 19^th century and by 1920, they became so popular that most amusement parks had more than one installed.

Due to the Depression and the rise of television, roller coasters temporarily lost interest. However, with the appearance of “steel coasters”, roller coasters regained the interest of consumers. Compared to roller coasters made of wood, steel roller coasters could be made higher, faster while also being more safer. As of January 2012, 94% of roller coasters (2,791) around the world are made of steel.

Surprise #2) Steel brings profound musical tunes to our ears!

Steel also allows us to hear wonderful melodies. The sound of the piano has a beautiful sound that can transport us to a heavenly state. Contrary to what you might have expected, pianos are constructed with steel – a material which you would not associate with delicate music, correct?

The strings (piano wire) found within piano are made of strong high carbon steel to maintain tension. To be produced, high carbon steel is heated above 900 degrees Celsius and then is dipped into a container with melted lead at temperatures between 430~520 degrees Celsius which is a process called patenting. The end product has high strength, high viscosity qualities which are fit for usage in springs as well.

Surprise #3) Steel keeps us alive!

Did you know that everyone has steel inside their bodies?

3g of iron is essential for our bodies to function. Though a minor quantity, without it, we cannot survive! About 60% is found in our blood, 30% is in our liver and spleen and the remaining 10% is found within myoglobin cells, cytochrome and other particles inside muscles and bone marrow.

Iron is necessary for the body’s red blood cell formation. When there is not enough red blood cells, this affects our energy levels so that we get tired easily.  60 to 80% of patients with anemia have iron deficiency, but the symptoms do vary.

In many cases, the symptoms of anemia are shortness of breath, face becomes pale, and signs of anorexia. Moreover, hair falls out, nails become weak, and skin becomes very dry. Iron certainly plays a very important role within our bodies so we should make sure we maintain it!

Other Facts about Steel that You Didn’t Know Before

Generally people assume that the steel industry is the representative industry that produces harmful pollutions as a byproduct due to the use of coal for steel production. However, when one takes into consideration the entire life cycle of raw material extraction and processing, steel actually produces the least emissions per unit among building materials.

Steel is the only building material that can last for over 100 years. In addition to the merit of long-term usage, 90% of it can be recycled again unlike other materials. One ton of steel can go through 40 rotations of the reproduction cycle so that the cumulative amount of usage is actually over 10 tons.

Steel is recognized not just for the manufacturing process but also as eco-friendly consumer products as well. Representative examples of this are the eco-friendly, high strength steel used for automotive steel sheets, galvanized steel sheets for automotive fuel tanks, chrome-free zinc-plated steel for home appliances and so on. High tension steel plates are thinner than regular steel plates, however, they are merited for making it possible to produce lighter cars. In addition, they can enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions and hazardous substances.

That’s not all! Japan and other major nations are looking towards the development of electric power transmissions and the component necessary for this to happen is electrical steel products. There is increasing demand for steel plates used for rotational machinery within motor units as the non-oriented electrical steels have excellent magnetic properties for efficiency.

Bright future for steel. There is no limit to the use of steel!

The necessity and importance of steel for society is increasing more and more. They say that steel already has a large influence on the things around us. They help make all things from needles to ships. However the boundaries are expanding even more! From housing and skyscrapers, to the numerous bridges and spires, steel is all around us. Steel is even found in our transportation that takes us from place to place as they are what makes up cars and subways too.

What was most surprising among the uses of steel that we introduced? Stay tuned for more stories on steel that we will write about here on POSCO’s blog!