Steel generations V: Meet Bill Chambers

“This picture was taken in 1989, in front of the Electric Furnace Shop at ArcelorMittal Cleveland. From left to right, it depicts my uncle Bob Chambers, myself – Bill Chambers – and my dad, William Chambers. My grandpa Joe also worked in steel, for 42 years. With a total of 157 man-years stretching from 1921 to 2009, I would say that in my family we have a long steel tradition indeed…

Back when I was a child, we experienced some bad times, but we were always well taken care of and I attributed that to the fact that dad worked in the steel industry. In spite of the slowdowns and shutdowns over the years, I still believe I have made the right choices at the right times. Today, I find myself better off than if I had chosen another career.

When I left the Air Force, the mill was not hiring. As soon as they wanted to add jobs to Cleveland in 1972, I applied and was accepted. I started as a material handler and have worked at positions of increasing responsibility until obtaining my current position as a Manager.

Our facility was closed from June 2001 to May 2004. To say that we are “used to” the ups and downs would be trite. We know that recovery will be a slow process and, recognising this, we are now putting the place to bed carefully so that it will be ready to operate when we return to the game.”