More good news from "The Steel Valley". - Page 2

BlueStreak · #11 04-04-2010, 08:22 PM

Didn't spoil anything, Chas. It's true, everyone has a partisan ax to grind.

I will say this though;
They (Reps) are very definately showing their asses.

Regards,
Dave

d-ray657 · #12 04-04-2010, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles

And here I come to spoil it all.

I didn't see McCain's concession speech to be an act of patriotism as much as an act of political expediency. Basically, he told his party to behave as adults and don't show your asses. He certainly didn't say not to begin to sharpen the long knives in preparation for 2010.

This is politics, everyone loses an election from time to time. And the Democrats are no more capable of rising above political partisanship than the Republicans.

Chas

I can't blame you for being cynical about any political speech. Now if you say anything cynical about opening day, you will become the subject of extreme wrath.

Regards,

D-Ray

Sandy G · #13 04-04-2010, 11:28 PM

The political stuff that goes w/the steel industry is, IMHO, somewhat of a sideshow. A BIG reason the steel industry isn't doing to well is that Detroit simply doesn't buy anywhere nearly as much as they once did-and HASN'T for years. Even when times were good. For one thing cars are significantly smaller & lighter than they were in, say, 1960 or thereabouts. But its not just that-Car companies have found other materials-Plastics, fiberglass, aluminum-that work just as well, or even better than steel does. Another thing is that lighter, more high-tensile stronger steels have been developed, & that cuts down on aggregate totals. An additional thing is a dirty little secret that virtually ALL industry shares-All those mighty "Productivity" gains that were so ballyhooed back 20-25 yrs ago & American Industry's salvation-We now work harder & smarter, & companies have figured out that they can often just use one worker instead of 2 or 3. What do you think "Productivity" really is, after all ?!? Big Steel was also slow to, or simply unable to, adapt to new processes & technologies, & invest in newer equipment that could have kept them viable. No, "Those jobs AREN'T coming back" prolly is correct-but not exactly for the reasons most people think...

Charles · #14 04-05-2010, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d-ray657

I can't blame you for being cynical about any political speech. Now if you say anything cynical about opening day, you will become the subject of extreme wrath.

Regards,

D-Ray

Openin' day of WHUT? Trouts season, Beer season, or th' new Mennards?

Chas

Charles · #15 04-05-2010, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy G

The political stuff that goes w/the steel industry is, IMHO, somewhat of a sideshow. A BIG reason the steel industry isn't doing to well is that Detroit simply doesn't buy anywhere nearly as much as they once did-and HASN'T for years. Even when times were good. For one thing cars are significantly smaller & lighter than they were in, say, 1960 or thereabouts. But its not just that-Car companies have found other materials-Plastics, fiberglass, aluminum-that work just as well, or even better than steel does. Another thing is that lighter, more high-tensile stronger steels have been developed, & that cuts down on aggregate totals. An additional thing is a dirty little secret that virtually ALL industry shares-All those mighty "Productivity" gains that were so ballyhooed back 20-25 yrs ago & American Industry's salvation-We now work harder & smarter, & companies have figured out that they can often just use one worker instead of 2 or 3. What do you think "Productivity" really is, after all ?!? Big Steel was also slow to, or simply unable to, adapt to new processes & technologies, & invest in newer equipment that could have kept them viable. No, "Those jobs AREN'T coming back" prolly is correct-but not exactly for the reasons most people think...

Don't forget robotics, probably the main reason one worker can produce as much as three in past days. The Industrial Revolution is being transformed before our very eyes.

Chas

Sandy G · #16 04-05-2010, 08:09 AM

Yep, robots don't hafta be paid, don't want time off, don't backtalk you, won't sue you if you pat one of 'em on the ass, don't get sick-as long as proper maintenance is done, etc, etc, etc....

BlueStreak · #17 04-05-2010, 08:59 AM

You guys.......................

This particular plant is a TUBE MILL. Mostly Drill Tube for the oil and gas industries to be exact. And, yes, you are right, this place is supposed to eventually employ about 600 people. A tube mill of this size thirty years ago would have easily employed 1,000 to 1,100. This is a thoroughly modernized mill, that's why the initial cost is so high.

600 is better than zero. It's good news, people going back to work, jobs being created.

Why can't you just accept that?

Regards,
Dave