Steel generations XI – Meet the Woolvett family

The history of the Woolvett family runs parallel with the history of ArcelorMittal Dofasco, in Canada. In fact, Walter Woolvett Sr. started working for the Company in 1913 – only 1 year after its creation. “There has not been a break of Woolvetts working at Dofasco since pretty much the start of the Company”, explains Roy Woolvett, 4th generation steelworker, and great grandson of Walter Woolvett Sr. Let’s trace back the history of these steel generations…

With a total of 5 generations and 93 years of service within the Company, the Woolvett family is today the longest line of one family working in ArcelorMittal Dofasco. Their steel tradition runs from father to son: In 1934, . Walter’s son Arnold (called Ernie) was hired, and he was  followed by his son James Lawrence Woolvett in 1945.

Then, it was up to Cam, Tom and Roy, 3 brothers – sons of James. “When we were children, I remember waiting with my brothers for my dad to come home from work so we could go through his lunch pail. He’d always save something for us,” recalls Roy, Assistant Team Leader Roll Grinder at ArcelorMittal Dofasco. “Dofasco was really good to us as a family,” they explain.

The 5th generation of Woolvetts at ArcelorMittal Dofasco started in 1999, when Cam’s son Cory joined the Company. Today, he is a Pipefitter with Iron Mechanical. “I’m proud of my skilled trade – it’s a career, not just a job. I’m using my mind and my hands,” says Cory. Thanks to the boldness and the skills of the new generations, this steel tradition is set to last well into the future…

Collaboration: Margaret Wells, Public Affairs, ArcelorMittal Dofasco

Picture (from left to right): Roy, Tom, Cory and Cam.