In-hwan Oh, President of POSCO, said, “We implemented a customer-oriented core research infrastructure to help us evaluate products in a production environment similar to that of customers. By doing this, we aim to develop leading technologies and provide preemptive and proactive solutions to customers.”

The Steel Forming Laboratory will be used exclusively to evaluate the products ordered by POSCO customers by looking at properties such as formability, weldability, coating weight, corrosion resistance, and fatigue life. These evaluations will also be used to provide basic customer support such as quality certification. The new Steel Forming Laboratory will primarily be used for more differentiated tasks such as providing application technology solutions involving steel products.

The Steel Forming Laboratory houses various equipment, including roll forming machines and presses, which are used to evaluate the formability of steel products such as POSCO GIGA STEEL and develop new forming technologies. POSCO is the first steelmaker in Korea to use the 2,000-ton hydraulic press in order to evaluate the formability of large components such as the side outers of automobiles. In addition, other equipment such as the high-speed crash test machine, full-scale fatigue test machine, and wheel durability test machine can evaluate the impact and durability of the molded parts of automobiles. They also provide customized analysis results using 3D scanners.

POSCO’s new Steel Forming Laboratory has various facilities for the evaluation and advancement of large components for customers. Above, a POSCO employee can be seen operating the 2000-ton hydraulic press, the first to be purchased by a domestic steelmaker.

POSCO will use these machines to implement its “POSCO One-Stop Development” system, making it possible to perform every step from developing application technologies for steel products to production verification testing without the involvement of customers, a move towards further reinforcing its Solution Marketing services.

Customers may find it difficult to adopt newly developed steel grades right away, but with POSCO evaluating formability (one of the mandatory criteria for selecting steel products) on behalf of its customers, the burden of selecting new steel grades will be reduced.

POSCO will continue to pursue shared growth by conducting joint research with not only large OEM companies, but also small and medium-sized parts companies that find it relatively more difficult to operate various testing machines.

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G-LDP is a training program that aims to cultivate leadership skills for next-generation global leaders. Competent managerial-level employees that show potential to play a leading role in building up POSCO the Great at global business sites are selected from overseas subsidiaries to participate.

Since it was first established last October, the program has successfully trained 50 overseas employees from English- and Chinese-speaking countries to become prospective global leaders.

Thirty-nine participants from 21 subsidiaries in nine English-speaking countries participated in the session this month.

What was particularly special about this past session was its adoption of “flipped learning” to maximize the training effect.

Flipped learning is a pedagogical model in which learners view online lectures before attending discussion-oriented offline classes.

Each employee gained theoretical knowledge, and drafted leadership- and finance-related business cases before their offline classes commenced in Korea. This was accomplished by POSCO Group University’s utilization of its HRD portal (e-campus). Here, online activities such as advanced e-learning, reviewing lecture content and performing tasks were assigned to learners remotely.

When participants reached Korea, they were able to build upon this knowledge and further develop their leadership skills by attending programs including competency improvement training and discussions.

Apart from attending leadership training sessions, the participants also visited the POSCO Center and Gwangyang Steel Works. These visits helped to fuel their pride and esteem in POSCO, as well as expand their personal network by meeting former Korean expatriates who are now back in Korea.

The second G-LDP of 2016 will take place in September, with about 40 employees from China expected to be in attendance.

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POSCO Automobile Solution Seminar has been held every year since 2005 as a channel to introduce results and used technologies of R&D projects conducted by POSCO and World Auto Steel, the automotive group of the World Steel Association.

POSCO changed the name of the seminar to the “POSCO Automobile Solution Seminar” this year, along with expanded the scales and focused on promoting POSCO’s latest technologies for automobile solutions.

POSCO hosts the 2015 POSCO Automobile Solution Seminar, December 10 at the Global R&D Center in Songdo, Incheon

During the seminar, POSCO presented its R&D results for 2015, including the development progress of automotive steel such as advanced high strength sheet steel (AHSS) and the technological trends for lightweight car body. They also promoted the importance of joint growth and cooperation with customers, R&D institutions and universities, introducing POSCO’s solution marketing.

On special display were two torn down vehicles, showing the detailed analysis of interior components and attracting the audience’s attention. The audience took a look into the two torn down models, a small Peugeot SUV and a Dodge pickup truck, to understand the latest design trends and materials for vehicles.

Two torn down vehicles were displayed for detailed analysis of interior components and materials of the vehicles

Representatives said, “The seminar was very useful to learn in-depth technical knowledge of high strength sheet steel solutions. It will be a big help in automobile design and components processing in the future.”

G-JEDP is one of POSCO’s human resources (HR) programs that aims to foster essential manpower to lead the company’s overseas affiliates and to eliminate the need for expatriates in the future, according to POSCO’s manpower localization strategy. The training session was attended by 24 junior executives from 18 affiliates in nine countries.

The G-JEDP curriculum includes instruction on setting management strategy, improving leadership for building a team and fostering manpower, understanding POSCO’s values and culture and solving major management issues. Participatory programs such as discussions and case studies were introduced to increase trainee understanding and engagement.

Trainees are also given assignments chosen in advance by the president of their affiliate company. They then draw execution plans during the training in accordance with the assignment completion process. Later, when they return to their countries, trainees apply the execution plan to field work with the support of the affiliate.

This kind of training method is called “action learning” and has been used by many local and global companies such as GE, IBM, DuPont and Samsung as a process that can both foster leadership and solve management issues.

In this year’s G-JEDP, various issues which have emerged in overseas affiliates, such as profit improvement, cost reduction, HR system improvement and manpower development were discussed. Employees were supported by Korea’s best learning coaches, an effort initiated to create excellent outcomes.

After the completion of the program, trainees expressed their thoughts, with one participant noting, “We could cultivate strategic thinking by discussing and solving concerns of junior executives  together with employees from different overseas affiliates. In particular, learning about different views and perspectives of other trainees and learning coaches was the biggest outcome of the training.”

The G-JEDP is slated to be held in the first and second halves of 2016. POSCO Group University plans to continuously foster superior talent from overseas affiliates based on the recommendation of POSCO’s HR department.

POSCO held a kick-off event for its IP G-Project on October 30 to share project plans for six new projects

Eighty members attended, including CEO Ohjoon Kwon and Project Director of the IP G-Project, who shared the project plans for six new IP G-Projects and resolved to successfully complete the projects. CEO Kwon said, “Detailed plans for achieving the goals for the IP G-Project have been well established.” He also asked those in attendance to make effort to achieve their goals by working closely with other departments.

The IP G-Project integrates mutual IP projects, research assignments and programs into one strategy for efficiency, and started with the intent to expedite Innovation POSCO 2.0 by concentrating the capabilities of all its companies. Under the previous PWS (project-based working system), cooperation between companies and departments within the IP project was possible, but it was difficult to integrate with other activities. So POSCO renamed the projects which require cooperation between research assignments, IP projects and unique programs to the IP G-Project and decided to operate it at a group level.

IP G-Project facilitates the cooperation between all work areas, and is a top-down system that works by themes suggested by the board of directors, which is then approved by the CEO. The goal is to generate over 30 billion KRW in financial performance within the next three years. Unlike IP projects led by professional executives, IP G-Project is managed by c-level executives who operate as the project director.

By establishing a plan to complete each project, all related activities are integrated with concurrent engineering strategies, accelerating the performance outcome. Project progress is directly monitored and guided by the CEO. Through integrated VP (visual planning), the effect of cooperation is maximized.

At the end of the year, the continuation of the project will be reviewed by management and if necessary, performance will be constantly evaluated, even after completion of each project. POSCO plans to put all its efforts into creating outstanding results through the IP G-Project and to achieve Innovation POSCO 2.0 as soon as possible.

POSCO Group University: Helping Employees in Overseas Offices to Become Global Leaders

POSCO Group University is dedicated to improving the abilities of the company’s employees working in both local and overseas offices. The goal of POSCO Group University is to lead these employees on the road to becoming global leaders. Among the programs that specifically aim to enhance the abilities of POSCO’s global colleagues are the POSCO Cultural Innovator Program and the Global Junior Executive Development Program. These programs invite overseas employees to the Global R&D Center located at Songdo, Incheon, during which the participants eat, sleep, and learn together for an intensive two weeks.

On June 30, 43 employees from 22 offices in 13 countries participated in the programs, with 22 in the Global Junior Executive Development Program and 21 in the Cultural Innovator Program. Shall we take a closer look at the curriculum that these 43 global talents experienced?

Be Proactive: POSCO Cultural Innovator Program

The POSCO Cultural Innovator Program trains employees to establish a localized education system that spreads POSCO’s unique values and corporate culture. Participants of the program return to their respective offices to actively implement new systems and plan and develop a unique culture of their own instead of simply relaying the contents provided during the program.

Having an interest for others is the first step in truly understanding different cultures. Participants of the Cultural Innovator Program had a chance to learn ways to solve problems and overcome disagreements caused by cultural misunderstanding. They also freely shared their experiences and hardships they had to overcome as employees working in an unfamiliar Korean culture.

Interview: Dominika Gracz / Team Leader / POSCO-PWPC (Poland)

I learned a lot about the process of executing a project. I’ll definitely have a better idea of managing a project when I go back to Poland. Also, it was a great opportunity to talk with people from other countries and share our different cultures and experiences. I think the networks we established during the program will be beneficial in exchanging work-related ideas and information in the future. 

Interview: Massimo Menghini / Sr. Manager / POSCO-ITPC S.P.A (Italy)

It was an opportunity to learn and improve together with colleagues from various different countries. Along with my global colleagues, I was able to learn how to manage projects and solve problems. Also, it’s my first time to visit POSCO HQ. I’m looking forward to going back and sharing with my colleagues at my office in Italy the unique POSCO culture I’ve experienced here.

Global Junior Executive Development Program

Through the Global Junior Executive Development Program, POSCO takes a proactive step in training its overseas junior executives to become global leaders of the future. Team leaders who participate in the program prepare to become exemplary managers by honing their leadership skills and practicing management problem-solving. Participants also experience firsthand real issues presented by the branch managers of each overseas office, an activity that strengthens management capabilities. Because of the high quality and benefits of the program, more and more overseas branch managers are looking for a chance to participate.

One of the main activities in the program is the Action Learning Mentoring session. Before arriving at Songdo, employees received from their office heads tasks related to overcoming cultural differences and enhancing leadership skills. Participants analyzed these tasks beforehand, and solved the problems through two weeks of Action Learning Mentoring.

Interview: Hyun-chul Bong / Professor & Program Instructor / Jeonbuk University School of Business

These people are potential future global leaders, so the learning sessions aimed to improve crucial management and leadership skills. Before coming to the program, the participants were given a wide array of unique individual tasks which covered product quality issues, productivity issues, and logistic issues. Although the participants are from different offices and factories, they were all able to relate to each other quite easily because in the end, the work they are doing are similar. It was wonderful to see them interacting with one another freely, giving advice and asking questions.

Interview: Hoang Anh Le / Team Leader / POSCO E&C VN (Vietnam)

We were able to solve many real problems we face at our respective offices thanks to the useful concepts and problem solving tools the professor provided us.

Learning the History of POSCO

After a week since the programs began, the participants were invited to a special tour of the history of POSCO. For many of them, it was the first time to visit the POSCO HQ and get a firsthand experience of the company. Leaded by a guide, the participants enjoyed a meaningful time learning about the history and corporate philosophy of POSCO.

Interview: Santosh Kumar / Sr. Manager / POSCO-India

The tour on the history of POSCO was very comprehensive; I learned not only about the history of the company but also about the history of the steel industry in Korea as well. There were a lot of resources about the late president Mr. Tae-jun Park. I respect him for founding such an impressive business and am proud to work here. POSCO is truly a great company.

Epilogue: Completion Ceremony

The participants of the POSCO Cultural Innovator Program and the Global Junior Executive Development Program gathered at the conference hall where they first met each other two weeks ago. The 43 participants congratulated one another as they received a certificate to commemorate the completion of the intensive programs.

Interview: Brett McCleary / Manager / POSCO-AAPC (US)

It was a very meaningful experience: I learned a lot about POSCO core values and the history of POSCO which was very interesting to me. I also learned a lot of different HRD strategies that I can use when I go back to my home country. It frankly is kind of a relief; it was a lot of work! But it was very enjoyable to meet some great people and learn a little about everybody’s culture, and I feel that’s going to help me when I go back to deal with the different cultures that we do have at our office.

Interview: Potjaman Khongthon / Associate / POSCO-Thainox (Thailand)

The presentation skills to be an insightful instructor would be good for me because I will go back and give a lecture for my colleagues at my office in Thailand. I think I can be a better instructor because I have learned new techniques, and I am thankful for the company for providing me with such a great opportunity. The conversations I had with my global colleagues will definitely belong with me for a long time.

POSCO is taking active steps to train future global leaders through a systematic training program.  We hope to see our global employees go back to their countries and continue their efforts to make POSCO a truly global company. Please look forward for many other efforts that POSCO is making in order to become a great company to work at!

Revolutionary Features of Korea’s New Landmark, Northeast Asia Trade Tower

#1. 3-Dimensional Exterior Design Minimizes the Effect of Wind Load

POSCO Engineering & Construction, the construction arm of Korea’s top steelmaker POSCO, applied its most innovative and cutting-edge technology in the construction of NEAT Tower, the tallest building in Korea. To minimize the effect of wind load on the building, the tower was constructed under a 3-dimensional exterior design which features a trapezoid at the base which gradually transforms into a triangle at the top.

#2. Seismic Force Resisting System Utilizing Belt Truss and Outriggers

NEATT’ s main frame system consists of 27 perimeter columns, six corner mega columns, a core wall, and an outrigger/belt truss, all of which are systemically integrated. The core wall takes about 65% of the total gravity load and 70% of the total overturning moment due to wind load. The outrigger systems are installed on the 34^th and 65^th floors of NEATT and the structural design was performed in such a way that the axial load developed in columns due to the outrigger’s share of the overturning moment could also be resisted safely. The outrigger and belt system takes 30% of the overturning moment.

The core walls and columns of NEATT, an SRC structural building, were constructed with 12,841 tons of POSCO’s globally renowned high-strength reinforced concrete and SD40 reinforcing bars. The corner mega column was, for the first time in the construction of skyscrapers in Korea, built with 7,870 tons of SMC570TMC steel. The glass curtain wall enveloping the exterior was installed using low-emissivity glass. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metal layers that are deposited on a window surface to help keep heat on the same side of the glass from which it originated. Glass with Low-E coatings reflect infrared light while allowing visible light, keeping the movement between interior and exterior heat to a minimum.

* Technical specifications of the Northeast Asia Trade Tower referenced from “NEATT Design of Structural System,” Dong Yang Structural Engineers Co., 2014.

#3. High Level Security and Anti-Disaster Measures

As the landmark building of Korea, Northeast Asia Trade Tower boasts high level security and anti-disaster measures. For example, it deployed global positioning system (GPS) sensors to help ensure the real-time measurement of vibration, displacement or deformation in the building caused by external factors, making it possible to preemptively identify any issues that could compromise the safety or structural integrity of the building. Additionally, the Seismic Force Resisting System can withstand magnitude 7-8 earthquakes.

In addition, the anti-disaster control center located on the first basement floor provides the ability to centrally monitor the power supply, lighting, CCTV system, access control and other utility services. The 30^th and 60^th floors each have a shelter that can accommodate up to 4,000 occupants safely and promptly in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. The building has 29 elevators operating at a speed of 420 meters per minute and capable of carrying users from the ground floor to the observatory on the 65^th floor within one minute.

< The anti-disaster control center located on the first basement floor provides the ability to centrally monitor the power supply, lighting, CCTV system, access control and other utility services. >

Going Green: A Striking Example of Sustainable Design

NEATT serves as a model of sustainable design strategies, carefully balancing energy conservation, increased indoor environmental quality, and occupant comfort. With a range of passive design strategies such as daylighting, natural ventilation and energy-efficient HVAC systems, the tower targets to achieve LEED^® Silver certification.

Like other buildings in New Songdo City, NEATT purchases district hot water from a new, highly efficient cogeneration facility located nearby. Hot water, used for heating and cooling via absorption chillers, is generated from waste heat recovered during the process of producing electricity. The building is estimated to reduce source-energy CO2 emissions by 6,000 tons per year when compared to a “standard” code-compliant office tower with on-site electric chillers and a natural-gas boiler plant.

Furthermore, the paint, carpets and wallpaper used in the construction of the building’s interior were of eco-friendly, non-toxic material in order to prevent the occurrence of Sick Building Syndrome.

* NEATT sustainability design features referenced from articles by ARUP and Built Expressions

<A Night View of the NEAT Tower and Songdo International Business District, Incheon>

The Northeast Asia Trade Tower is expected to boost the regional economy along with an increase in floating population, markets, employment and visitors from overseas once companies move into the building. Moreover, it appears to give momentum to draw more businesses to Songdo International Business District since clients of Daewoo International and other companies engaged in the related fields are expected to move into the building. We hope that NEAT tower will soon become Korea’s most well-known landmark in the days to come!