Roanoke's Other Star

Roanoke, Virginia is famous for its rail history. Now learn the story behind Roanoke's other star.In 1961 a small steel manufacturing company in Roanoke entered into an agreement to purchase and install a revolutionary new type of machine that was guaranteed to increase productivity while lowering costs. At the time the equipment and the process it enabled were considered experimental and not completely reliable. Despite misgivings and the reluctance of larger, more established...
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Roanoke, Virginia is famous for its rail history. Now learn the story behind Roanoke's other star.In 1961 a small steel manufacturing company in Roanoke entered into an agreement to purchase and install a revolutionary new type of machine that was guaranteed to increase productivity while lowering costs. At the time the equipment and the process it enabled were considered experimental and not completely reliable. Despite misgivings and the reluctance of larger, more established steel-making companies to adopt the process, the entrepreneurial spirit of a Roanoke businessman prevailed. Roanoke's Other Star is the story of how, after some initial difficulties, this remarkable machine became operational and began producing a high quality product that was previously unavailable from steel manufacturers in the United States. The success of this bold venture made headlines across the country and marked the beginning of a new era in the domestic steel industry.While it is entirely appropriate for Roanoke to be recognized for its rich railway heritage, the city may also be noted for its contribution to steel-making. Indeed, Roanoke has another star!