July I Vol 85 I 2019
A Timeline of 36th Street As we settle in at our new headquarters, Mill Steel looks back at the milestones from our 36th Street location – fondly remembering what helped shape us into the company we are today. 1966 – Land is purchased Mill Steel Company transitioned from operating in the home of our founders, Harry and Edith Samrick, to a small office space in Grand Rapids, and eventually in 1966, land was purchased for its first building location. Harry purchased the land in southeast Grand Rapids on what is now 36th Street. Mill Steel was one of the first buildings on the street, alongside Kawasaki which was built during the same time. In July of 1967, associates moved into the 36th Street building. David Samrick recalls, “The original office stopped at the east wall of what is now known as the East Conference Room. There were three offices total.” In 1969, Mill Steel installed its first shear and a 30” slitter was purchased brand new, the same slitter that is still in use today. David moved the first pound of steel himself with a fork lift. It was mostly him in the warehouse back then, with Harry and Edith working in the office. From that point on, Mill Still was growing rapidly and only a few years after moving in needed more space! Therefore, in 1971, Mill Steel expanded the plant to accommodate further growth. Strong Women Make Strong Companies During this time, it’s important to note the strong female leadership that was already taking place at Mill Steel. David remarks, “It was Edith who was running the office; she was driving Mill Steel’s headquarters and did a great job managing both my father and I”. Edith worked alongside Harry and David from its beginning in 1959 to 1969, when she was diagnosed with cancer. She set the tone for strong leadership at Mill Steel, and her strength lives on today. That same strength is also seen in our President, Pam Heglund. Upon Edith’s diagnoses, David was named President in 1976 when his father stepped back from day-to-day management to take care his mother. He took the knowledge his parents bestowed upon him and continued to grow the business. 36th Street Culture A common theme at Mill Steel has always been its PEOPLE. In the early 2000s culture became a stronger focus, making Mill Steel a productive and fun place to work. The culture strengthened year after year, and some of its fun memories are highlighted below. • 2007 – Halloween has always been very festive around the office at Mill Steel; however, it wasn't until 2007 that the first official Halloween Costume Contest, along with the Halloween Appetizer and Dessert Competition were hosted. • 2012 – Ice cream socials are introduced; everyone meets in the new Upstairs Training Room for a sweet treat!
INDEX 2 Timeline of 36th St. Continued 2
Associate Highlight: Paul Dooge
3 Hello My Name Is
4 Let's Celebrate
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Contest Corner
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Insert: Prime Performers
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Insert: Prime Performers
NORMS
& VALUES
People We believe in ourselves and trust one another. Customer Satisfaction We will do everything necessary to meet the needs of our customers. Accountability We are accountable to our customers and to eachother. Quality Work Environment We will provide a challenging work environment. Community We support our community needs. Profit We will earn a reasonable profit to assure stability and security for ourselves. Employee Empowerment We are empowered to do our jobs. Quality and Continuous Improvement We believe in continuous improvement through the use of corrective action process. Facilities We will have a clean, safe place to work. Integrity/Ethics We will be honest and fair.