May 2022 Volume 4

INDUSTRY NEWS

I chose to work at ELLWOOD because the rotational program would allow me to learn many different aspects of the steelmaking process including melting, remelting, and forging. I've already seen the benefit of this program as I've moved locations and been able to build on my knowledge of grades and practices as I rotate. Additionally, I've gotten to work with a variety of interesting grades and products so I'm constantly learning and working on exciting projects. Carrie Rust – Chief Human Resources Officer, ELLWOODGroup Inc.; New Castle, PA I joined ELLWOOD in February of 2014 as Director of Human Resources with a focus on benefits and employee relations and moved to my current role in April 2020. In my current role, my responsibilities include facilitating positive employee relations in a union-free environment, compensation and benefits, payroll, recruitment and onboarding, training and development, succession planning and evaluating strategic acquisitions. I’ve worked in the metals industry my entire career. I began my career in the Information Technology (IT) organization as a programmer at U.S. Steel’s Fairless Works, later promoted to IT Training & Recruiting Supervisor. I transferred into the Human Resources organization and spent eight years in U. S. Steel’s Health andWelfare division, eventually becoming Director. My final years at U. S. Steel were as Director of Organization Development and Diversity & Inclusion. ELLWOOD’s family culture is to work with our team members openly and honestly while treating everyone with dignity and respect. We do what’s right, and that means valuing each team member for their unique knowledge and capability and using each other’s strengths to work together to solve unique challenges. Our ‘open door policy’ facilitates our family culture. I never know who may stop in my office to ask a question, see how things are going or just to say hello. I’m part of a great team and that is very important to me. We celebrate each other’s successes and support each other in times of need. Additionally, ELLWOOD’s leadership challenges me every day to think creatively to identify ways to support our team members and our business, and the shareholders are committed to long-term success, so, no matter who you are, you get access to the support and tools needed to succeed. Alex Beebout – Metallurgical Engineer, ELLWOOD Aluminum; Hubbard, OH I was initially hired into the rotational program (June 2020) for new metallurgists but I came to ELLWOOD Aluminum as my second stop last summer and I never left. My career started with this plant; my first days and weeks here saw the very first aluminum cast at this start-up facility. I have watched it grow from a small team of less than a dozen working long, unpredictable hours to today, where we have four crews that allow us to make metal 24/7. While at times

it’s been frustrating to learn about things we needed to improve, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience to be part of the transformation into an industry-leading facility capable of producing some of the largest diameters on the planet as well an unmatched variety of alloys. ELLWOOD is different from other manufacturers in the area because they have a vested interest in the growth and success of the communities they operate in and rely on; this, to me, is what makes working for a family-owned, local company so rewarding. I grew up in Western Pennsylvania and all my

family has, too. It was a natural choice for me to attend Pitt as a material science engineering major. I will never forget when I was chosen to receive a merit-based scholarship in the name of Robert Rumcik: retired president of EQS, Vietnam vet, and alumnus of Pitt in the same department as myself. So many companies draw from the metallurgists that graduate Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering, but so few choose to lift up the next generation for the sake of the community and the industry itself. As a part of my scholarship I was invited to tour an ELLWOOD facility and I knew right away that heavy manufacturing and hot metal work would be my happy place. The rotational program was a fantastic way to learn about the industry, but it was the start-up environment at EA that really drew me in. From the beginning I have had the very strong sense that I am part of a team – everyone is bringing something different to the table and we are all learning together and constantly striving to be better. Ashley Yngsdal –Metallurgical Engineer, ELLWOOD City Forge; Ellwood City PA I have worked for ELLWOOD for about 3 ½ years and am currently a Metallurgical Engineer at ELLWOOD City Forge. I started out in ELLWOOD’s Metallurgical Engineering Development Program right after college where I spent approximately 2 ½ years working at different business units throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. Through the program, I was able to become familiar with all stages of the steelmaking and forging processes, perform meaningful projects, and make valuable connections throughout the company. After completing the program, I accepted a metallurgy position in the open die forging group.

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2022 62