Steel generations VII: Meet Robert Meyer

He began his steel career at ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor in 1990. But looking back, everything started much earlier, around 1913, with his great-grandfather John Meyer. His family tradition spans for 4 generations and involves 9 relatives! “Steel has provided generations of my family with a source of pride,” says Robert Meyer. “Why that pride?” We asked him. Check out what he answered…

“I’m proud of the fact that steel industry in Northwest Indiana helped win two World Wars and provided generations with a good source of income, as well as support for a middle-class,” Robert explains.

Even with this strong tradition behind him, at the beginning Robert worked in a different field, though closely related to steel: “I became a journeyman machinist working for a company that built and maintained mill equipment.” But he ended up following in his family’s steps…

Robert is currently working at the 80” Hot Strip Mill of one of our Group’s largest US facilities – at a time when the US is seeing capacity utlilization rates of less than 50%. “The current crisis the steel industry is facing today is much more a global crisis. My previous generations all worked for domestic companies and suffered through domestic downturns.”

Robert serves on the Board of Directors of the Calumet Heritage Partnership and is the President of the Northwest Indiana Steel Heritage Project. “Both of these organisations are concerned with preserving the local steel heritage,” he tells us. “A heritage of steel, and heritage of pride.”

Thanks Robert for sharing your story with us!
Do you also have a steel tradition in your family! Let us know at editorial@arcelormittal.com

Collaboration: Laura Podlesny, US Communications