Valparaiso Magazine - Spring 2023

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MADE IN VALPARAISO | UNION ELECTRIC STEEL Rolling RIGHT ALONG for 52 Years Union Electric Steel has been delivering quality rolls and keeping employees happy in Valparaiso since 1971 By Haleigh Vander Vinne Work is constant. No matter what industry you are in, no matter what day and time your shift is, hours are given to employers. Good employers know that they can retain employees by letting them work those hours in a healthy working environment with good pay, time off, bonuses, and other benefits. Union Electric Steel, a supporting business for the steel industry, is one of the best. Manufacturing “Rolling Pins” for the Steel Mills Since 1923, Union Electric Steel has been making large rolls that compress slabs of metal into a desired thickness. “I like to describe them as rolling pins,” said Paul Ruff, plant manager at Union Electric Steel. These big “rolling pins” flatten metals like a pasta maker flattens dough. The forged rolls are heated in a cauldron and continuously whacked until the hot iron resembles a rolling pin at Union Electric Steel’s Paul Ruff, Union Electric Steel headquarters in Pennsylvania. Then, they are shipped to Valparaiso’s 52-year-old finishing plant for induction heat treating, making the steel as hard as possible, followed by a series of machining operations to tailor the roll to each customer’s needs. Once the rolls pass inspection, half stay in North America while the rest sail to Europe, India, Asia, and China. Valparaiso as a Source for Qualified Workers The Valparaiso plant has 90 employees, some of whom started when the plant opened in 1971. When some long-standing employees decided to retire, Union Electric Steel sought out the Valparaiso community to replenish their workforce. “Valparaiso and surrounding areas have quite a bit of industry where people have done things that are fairly similar in the industrial environment,” said Ruff. It was also Union Electric Steel’s work environment that attracted qualified workers. What is the Secret to a Long-Lasting Workforce? “We have a positive work environment,” said Ruff. Union Electric Steel focuses on performance, utilizing bonus plans, team building, and open communication. “No matter what your business is, you’re going to be successful as long as you can make an employee believe that what they are doing is important,” added Ruff. That is why the Valparaiso plant has created a making-a-difference work environment that encourages workers to meet key metrics that help drive the business. Looking Forward With a happy team, great product and an ideal location here in Valparaiso, Ruff has every reason to look forward to a bright future for Union Electric Steel. “We have the service, the support, and what we believe is a quality product.” 8 SPRING 2023 |
Immediate Care Centers of Community Healthcare System ® WE’RE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!* South Valpo Immediate Care 1451 W. Morthland Dr., Valparaiso Hours: M-F: 8 am–8 pm Sat & Sun: 8 am-5 pm 219-286-3880 Valparaiso Health Center of St. Mary Medical Center 3800 St. Mary Dr., Valparaiso Hours: M-Sat: 8 am–8 pm Sun: 8 am–5 pm 219-286-3707 Additional Immediate Care Locations in Munster, Schererville and St. John. Community Healthcare System® | COMHS.org *Closed major holidays | ValpoChamber.org 9
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Page 3 and 4: SPRING 2023 CONTENTS BUSINESS SNAPS
Page 5 and 6: Valparaiso's location is ideal for
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Valparaiso Magazine - Spring 2023

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