Steel generations XIII – Brazilian steel tradition, right from the cradle

“My name is Edson Murilo Alves Vieira and I am working at ArcelorMittal Vega, Brazil. I was born on April 9, 1966 at exactly 12.03am, in a hospital that at the time belonged to our Company. I spent my childhood in 2 different neighbourhoods, in houses that were built and ceded to us by the Company. For many years, we enjoyed several services which were provided to us, such as medical assistance, dentists, schools…

Steel has been present within my family from generation to generation, and it has been part of my life since the day I was born. I started my career in the industry in 1988. As for my father, Morilo de Souza Vieira, he worked for 27 years in the cold-rolling activities of Brazil’s 1st integrated steel plant.

Today, I have 2 sons, Ítalo – 16 years old – and Nicholas – 9 years old. Ítalo is currently studying Industrial Automation in his 1st year. I believe, and I like the idea, that he will one day follow his father’s and grand-father’s footsteps, but he will be free to chose his own way.

Just as the rest of the world, the Brazilian industry has also been severely impacted by the current economic crisis. In my team, we have had to adapt ourselves to this new reality by controlling our costs, always keeping in mind the health of our Company and as a consequence the preservation of our jobs. I am optimistic with regards to the future: I believe that this is only a temporary situation and that, on the medium term, we will break free from the crisis.”