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- Girolamo di Piazza, Head Machinist Overhead Levelling Crane NLMK
Girolamo di Piazza
Head Machinist Overhead Levelling Crane
When I came to work here in 1982, the plant was called 'Gustave Boel Plant'. I am a machine operator by training and I began my career at an equipment manufacturing company. However, I came to La Louvière as a laborer when my previous employer closed down. I soon became a crane operator on the cold-rolling line, and later the Head Machinist of overhead levelling cranes. My professional skills have developed along with the company.
The plant used to employ 3,500 people, now there are 590. Back then, all the production stages were performed in-house, so everything rested on our shoulders and we believed in the stability of the work. However, together with La Louvière community, we were forced to experience tough times. The plant was on the verge of bankruptcy. The Dutch company Hoogovens bought it out before it passed into the hands of Duferco and then became part of NLMK Group. This enabled us to stay employed and today we again have a feeling of confidence in what tomorrow holds.
I value my colleagues greatly. We get along extremely well and can rely on one another when necessary. Our team has 10 members, we load steel coils onto trucks and wagons for delivery to Strasbourg and NLMK Manage, and to direct customers as well.
Two of my sons work for NLMK La Louvière. One son works in the rolling shop, the other in the steel processing shop. I sincerely hope that the plant continues to operate for many years, even after I retire, and that it has a bright future ahead of it.