The first of the 2012 evening lectures will  be held on the 7th February. It is to be given by Mark Broxholme and is titled: In the Rear View Mirror: Surviving the Global Downturn and Beyond.

Mark Broxholme joined British Steel in 1980 after graduating in Metallurgy &
Microstructural Engineering at Sheffield Polytechnic.  He has since held a number of
senior posts becoming Director, Aldwarke Cast Products in 2006 and Director of the
Rotherham site in 2009.  During this time the optimism associated with the £100M
development at Corus Engineering Steels was short lived and the 2008/9 global
recession heralded a drop of activity to a low of 20% of the planned level and
unsustainable losses.

Mark will explain how these challenges triggered the development of a strategy to
restore the fortunes of the Speciality Steel business.  Capacity of 1 mtpa was
reduced by 30% and employees from 3500 to 2200.  At the same time profitable growth markets were identified that were best suited to the production and technical skills of the company.

By the end of 2009 the business was breaking even and by 2010 an additional
400 jobs were created.  This is a fascinating example of abandoning “Big Steel’
for a technical, product driven business where “Customers and Profits are King”

                                            NOT TO BE MISSED
 

              The event is to be held at the Holiday Inn, Royal Victoria – Sheffield.
                         Coffee and Biscuits at 5.30, presentation at 6.00.

                               Non-Members are most welcome.