Economy

Mill Steel Awards Tax Cut Bonus to Employees
Written by Tim Triplett
February 9, 2018
Mill Steel Co., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based flat rolled steel distributor, is among a growing list of companies that are sharing a portion of the coming tax windfall with their employees. Mill Steel has awarded a $1,000 bonus to all 400 of its full-time associates as a result of the tax cut passed by Congress that reduces the corporate tax rate beginning this year.
“We would not be where we are today without the dedication of our people. When afforded an opportunity like this, we are delighted to invest back into our hard-working associates. As a result, we anticipate increased efficiencies across all operations,” said David Samrick, Mill Steel CEO and chairman.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratitude from our associates. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to make so many people happy. Our team is our top priority and they are uniquely committed to the success of Mill Steel,” said Pam Heglund, president of the service center. The company said it will continue to annually assess its compensation and benefit plan.
Americans for Tax Reform is compiling a list of companies—ranging from giants like Walmart and Apple to small mom and pops—that are showing their employees the money. Many are offering one-time cash bonuses like Mill Steel, while others are increasing hourly wages or contributing to employee 401Ks. The boost to the U.S. economy may come sooner rather than later.
“I believe the renewed focus and energy [from this bonus] will pay back in spades. We wanted to see the benefits from the expected performance improvements immediately and enhance our profitability this year,” Samrick said, even though the company won’t feel the full impact of the 2018 tax cut until next year. “This is nothing political. It just seemed like the right thing to do,” he added.
Editor’s note: Readers of Steel Market Update whose companies have also announced tax cut bonuses for employees are encouraged to send a press release or simply a short email to Tim@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Tim Triplett
Read more from Tim TriplettLatest in Economy
Beige Book finds growing economic, policy uncertainty
All districts reported "hesitancy and a cautious approach to business and household decisions,” according to the Beige Book.

ISM: Manufacturing continues to contract in May
May marks the third consecutive month US manufacturing activity declined, according to supply executives contributing to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)’s latest report.

Chicago PMI decreases 4.1 points in May
The Chicago Business Barometer reports that decreases in new orders, order backlogs, and softer production pulled the index down by 4.1-points to 40.5, in May.

Architecture firms struggle through April
For the third month in a row, architecture firms reported a reduction in billings through April, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index release.

House committee blocks GOP budget proposal
The budget proposal has big implications for steel and manufacturing.