Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
January 19, 2018
If you received an email welcoming you to a free trial of Steel Market Update, please disregard. Somehow, that email was sent in error (I received one as well) and we believe it to be a glitch associated with the updated software we have on our website. Sorry for the confusion.
I have been told that, at least for the time being, AK Steel customers will not be affected by the spill and fire at the Middletown facility. I expect that over the next few days we will get more information either directly from the mill or through their customers as to what impact the cleanup and any rebuilding will have on production. We will need to wait and see what happens. In the meantime, I don’t believe now is a time to panic. Just stay close to your suppliers and your information sources.
I will be traveling to Mobile, Ala., on Tuesday where Steel Market Update will be conducting one of our Steel 101 workshops. I will not return to my office until late in the day on Friday. Our next Steel 101 workshop will be held just outside of Chicago in Merrillville, Ind., on March 28 and 29. That workshop will include a tour of the NLMK USA Portage, Ind., steel mill. Information about that workshop can be found on our website or you are welcome to contact our office at 800-432-3475 or 706-216-2140.
I am deeply involved with putting together the program for our 2018 SMU Steel Summit Conference, which will be held in Atlanta on Aug. 27-29. I am always looking for suggestions regarding subjects that should be covered (or better covered) or for speakers who are exceptional and have something to say to the industry. If you have any recommendations, please contact me at John@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
For our Premium level members, last week’s PowerPoint presentation of our flat rolled market trends analysis is on our website and available for review. If you are an Executive level member and you would like to see what one of these PowerPoints looks like, please send an email to Brett@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
As always, your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
John Packard
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Final thoughts
Sheet prices didn’t roar back after Labor Day. But steel market news sure came out of the gate strong (or maybe chaotically is the better way to put it). First, the nearly $15-billion proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel exploded into the news. And when I say exploded, I mean that all sides seem to be escalating things now.
Final thoughts
Welcome back from Labor Day, from Steel Summit, and from whatever fun you might have had over the long weekend. Personally, I enjoyed camping with friends and family near Starved Rock. No one starved, there were no major injuries, and we enjoyed the many splendors of Mystical Fire. (Speaking of which, does that have industrial uses? But I digress.)
Final thoughts
I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ from all of us at SMU to all of you (more than 1,500!) who attended Steel Summit this year. We appreciate you taking time out of busy schedules to join us – whether that was up on stage, submitting thoughtful questions, or catching up over a drink and bite to eat. Also, a bit shoutout to everyone at SMU and at CRU who made this event possible. It’s no understatement to say that we have a fantastic team.
Final thoughts
Day one and two of SMU's Steel Summit 2024 are officially in the books. We covered a lot of ground, and the agenda sure did deliver.
Final thoughts
The big show is just about here. SMU Steel Summit will be getting underway on Monday. Where does the networking begin? I’d say at the airport. So don’t forget your business cards. And it can't hurt to wear a company golf shirt.