Lessons from US Steel
This week Nippon Steel signed an agreement to acquire United States Steel Corporation for $14.1 billion.? US Steel was formed in 1901 as the result of capital contributions and multiple merged companies, including Bethlehem Steel and Carnegie Steel Company.? US Steel is still headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.?
US Steel’s founders include Andrew Carnegie, J. P. Morgan and Charles M. Schwab.? At its formation, US Steel’s capitalization was $1.4 billion, the first company in history valued at more than one billion.? 122 years later they may be sold at $14.1 billion, an average capital growth rate of 1.9% excluding distributions.
Increased foreign competition and a failure to innovate, specifically in regard to more efficient manufacturing methods and processes, depressed a growth rate, that although positive, underperformed its potential over an extended period of time.
Two years after the formation, in 1903, Schwab repurchased Bethlehem Steel, subsequently selling it to United States Shipbuilding Company.? Remnants of Bethlehem Steel’s four and a half mile long plant along the Lehigh River can still be seen today from Orbweaver’s headquarters.? It is nonfunctional, and its bones are being repurposed for tourism, as well as residential and commercial applications.
The proceeds of selling Carnegie Steel Company to US Steel in its formation made Andrew Carnegie the wealthiest person alive at the time, surpassing John D. Rockefeller.? Over the next 18 years Carnegie philanthropically gave away approximately 90% of his wealth, funding (or continuing to fund) projects that included Carnegie Hall in New York City and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
In 1902 US Steel produced more than 65% of all steel produced in the United States.? US Steel supplied steel and erected famous structures, including: San Francisco-Oakland Bridge, Willis Tower and Hancock Tower in Chicago, New Orleans Superdome, United Nations Building in New York City, Tappan Zee Bridge, Verrazano Narrows Bridge, as well as a large number of tanks, ships and planes for the Allies in World War II, in which more than 113,000 of US Steel’s employees had enlisted.
Perhaps most infamous, referenced in The Godfather Part II, Hyman Roth claims “Michael, we’re bigger than US Steel”, in describing the power and influence of the mob.? US Steel was the biggest organization that could be referenced at the time.?
The story of US Steel is a big one with big players, too complex to explore further here.? Perhaps three observations:
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This January Orbweaver will be hosting CURRENT 2024 on January 10th through the 12th to discuss digital innovation as it applies to the electronics industry. Our industry is at a similar crossroads regarding technical adoption to facilitate digital automation of business processes and data exchange. We must become more efficient and Orbweaver extends to you an invitation to participate in these progressive initiatives.
Specific presentations and panel discussions will review unique perspectives and experience in implementing data integration, automation, and digital transformation initiatives, the particpants of which include:
The conference will be held at the Hotel Bethlehem, built with Bethlehem Steel in 1922.
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Talent Strategist
1 年Great article!
Chris. Very interesting thoughts. I like the industry / commercial challenge to innovators. Good luck in your forum.
Sr. Director - IT Business Solutions
1 年Great article Chris, thanks for sharing! And Happy New Year!
Fascinating article, Chris! It's amazing to see how US Steel, once an industrial titan, has evolved over the past century. The 1.9% average capital growth really puts things in perspective - even with success, staying ahead requires constant innovation. Your point about being stewards of our positions resonates deeply. As Orbweaver works with electronics companies, we see firsthand the crucial role of digital automation in staying competitive. We're excited for CURRENT 2024 and the chance to learn from industry leaders like Jelger Bos and Chris Church!