Steel Products
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/d6baba739947569a44e8b3ecc718ffe3.jpg)
Mario Longhi: Think Big and Accept Change
Written by Sandy Williams
August 26, 2013
Mario Longhi is faced with the daunting task of rebuilding a US Steel afflicted with financial difficulties and labor problems under former CEO John Surma. US Steel has lost money in five of the past seven quarters, most recently $78 million in the second quarter of 2013. When the mantle is passed on September 1, Longhi says his focus will be on cutting costs that will ensure the long term survival of US Steel.
Under new initiative Project Carnegie, Longhi and U.S. Steel will look for cost cutting measures that will improve business operations and position the company “to deliver best results possible, regardless of market conditions.”
In remarks to business leaders in Pittsburgh last week, Longhi said U.S. Steel will emphasize a new way of doing business.
“It is not a short-term cost-cutting exercise, it requires everyone to think different, think big and accept change,” said Longhi.
Longhi said the company will pursue opportunities in technology and in auto manufacturing and drilling. US Steel has expanded OCTG production at its Lorain, Ohio plant to take advantage of shale drilling in the Northeastern U.S. and recently offered Chrysler a solution for weight reduction that could cut vehicle weight as much as 25-30 percent. The steel industry is much more than blast furnaces, he said, “it is profoundly more scientific than just that.”
Longhi’s background at Alcoa and Gerdau Ameristeel gives him the experience needed to turn US Steel back into an American powerhouse.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/sandy-williams.jpeg)
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Products
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/CMC-New-Logo.png)
CMC to open rebar fabrication facility in Ohio
Longs producer and metal recycler CMC plans to open a new rebar fabrication plant in Akron, Ohio.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/steel_trade.png)
US and Mexico take action to curb ‘unfair’ trade
The US and Mexico announced measures on Wednesday to prevent tariff evasion and protect North America’s steel and aluminum industries.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/gears.png)
Final thoughts
First off, we hope everyone had a safe and happy July 4th holiday, with fireworks seen and BBQs attended. Many parts of the country are quite toasty at the moment, signaling that, yes, summer has indeed arrived. And looking at our most recent survey results, the summer doldrums have arrived as well.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Rig_count_pic_3-scaled.jpg)
Active rig counts recover in US, slip in Canada
US drill rig activity moved back up last week after drifting lower for four straight weeks. Meanwhile, Canadian counts slipped for the first time after a seven-week rally, according to the latest data from Baker Hughes.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/AISI.png)
AISI: US steel shipments up in May from April, off from 2023
Domestic steel shipments increased in May month over month but have fallen on-year.