Present
Let's move on to some of the area's present manufacturing companies:
Vallourec, McDonald Steel Corporation, and Rugged 3D.
There's Still Work To Do
Although the community has suffered significantly from deindustrialization, which began here with Black Monday on September 19, 1977, and subsequent downturns in the economy, we continue to strive for a better life for ourselves and our families. This desire to maintain our city and traditions can be seen in the many businesses that remain committed to the Valley and employ hundreds and thousands of workers. Manufacturing and production remain a key part of our identity and fuel the local economy. Companies such as Rugged 3D, Vallourec Steel and McDonald Steel are examples that the valley is still working.
Vallourec is a multinational manufacturing company headquartered in Paris, France, that specializes in hot-rolled seamless steel tubes primarily for the offshore and onshore oil & gas market. Beginning its North American operations in 1975, Vallourec currently employs over 2,000 people across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Vallourec provides their clients with a variety mechanical and alloy grade solutions and services for the needs of industrial, line pipe, and power generation industries. Their sustainable products are built to withstand the most challenging offshore and onshore environments.
Their Youngstown New Fine Quality Mill (FQM) features a 23-acre seamless hot rolling mill under roof, containing 1 million square feet of work space, is 5/8 of a mile long, a ¼ mile wide, and 110 feet tall.
Their facility boasts its own water treatment plant in accordance with Vallourec’s award winning ecological initiative. The plant recaptures and reuses 99% of the circulating water used in production. Commissioning of the facility began in stages with the 1st pierced shell in June 2012 through 1st heat treat of finished tube in April 2013.
Come explore the Vallourec exhibition at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor!
McDonald Steel Corporation opened in 1981 in the former US Steel’s McDonald mill. David Houck was instrumental to its foundation. He created the plan, recruited investors and hired a top ranking management team. As a result, the 14 inch mill, built in 1926, remains largely intact with some modernization. The mill employed 3,500 people in the 1960s and now employs around 100 people as a sign of technological advancement and the need for fewer steel workers. The company is a “leading domestic provider of highly engineered hot rolled special shapes.” It produces over 500 shapes and its engineers can work with companies to design specialty products. It provides for the needs of a variety of markets and is the “ideal alternative to forging, casting, extruding, cold drawing or machine steel products.”
Rugged 3D is a manufacturer of ruggedized and forward deployable manufacturing equipment as exemplified in ruggedized 3D printers and welders. The company was founded by brothers with military and engineering backgrounds hoping to solve the problem of deploying additive manufacturing equipment into harsh environments. The printers are ideal for construction sites or for military use.
In September, 2020, the company announced they were relocating from San Francisco to the Youngstown Business Incubator. Founder Collin Boring stated, “We realized we needed to be surrounded by people, business and an ecosystem that supports additive manufacturing, oil and gas and other similar heavy applications.” The company hopes to contribute to the community with internships through Youngstown State University.
The Present: Conclusion
Though manufacturing has changed quite a bit from the 1800s, it is still prevalent in our society. Companies are continuing to adapt to the times and create jobs in manufacturing. Vallourec, McDonald Steel, and Rugged 3D are all prime examples of what 21st century manufacturing looks like in the valley.