Timeline

PRO-TEC Coating Company was born of a partnership between two global leaders
in the steel industry: United States Steel and Kobe Steel of Japan.

CGL1 launched as one of the largest, most advanced
galvanizing/galvannealing lines in the world and quickly
outpaced production expectations, establishing three
consecutive world production records.

Guests at the official opening of PRO-TEC Coating Company included Japanese
Ambassador Okawara, Consul General Enoki, Ohio Governor Voinovich and
Leipsic Mayor Judy Crawford.

PRO-TEC’s state-certified EMTs not only respond to the 24/7 needs of the facility,
but also provide back-up coverage for the Leipsic village EMT squad.

ISO 9002 is an international standard that provides guidance in the development
and implementation of an effective quality management system.

The first of its kind in the industry, it has since become a standard for
automotive quality, hot-dip galvanizing lines.

PRO-TEC is certified to the quality standard of industry-specific requirements
developed by Daimler/Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

To meet increased demand, PRO-TEC added a second coating line, which at the time
established PRO-TEC as the largest plant of its kind in the world.

Advanced high-strength steel allows automakers to build more crashworthy
vehicles while reducing weight. It means safer vehicles for passengers while
improving fuel economy.

Associates willing and able to demonstrate ownership, responsibility and
accountability (ORA) continue to be a key to our success.

This environmental management systems certification placed PRO-TEC among the first
organizations in the area to satisfy these voluntary international standards.

This program recognizes U.S. facilities with environmental performance that surpasses
compliance with environmental laws, which include taking extra steps to reduce and
prevent pollution, and being good corporate neighbors.

Twenty words that summarize what PRO-TEC stands for from customer, industry
and community perspectives:

To foster human potential, a spirit of cooperation and technical innovation
for the betterment of our industry, Associates and community.

This "sector-specific" certification shows our automotive customers worldwide
that PRO-TEC is committed to being recognized as a long-term supplier of
quality goods and services.

The state’s highest recognition for organizations that have demonstrated, through
practicesand superior results, the highest level of excellence in areas including
leadership, strategic planning and customer focus.

PRO-TEC became the first company of its kind to achieve “Star” status in the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program.
The award recognizes businesses with outstanding programs for preventing
injuries and illnesses.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Commerce selects only a small number of companies
for this prestigious award. It is the top honor a U.S. company can receive for quality
achievement and performance excellence.

PRO-TEC’s quality assurance testing is certified to the recognized international standards
for quality and reliability.

Building on a legacy of continuous innovation, PRO-TEC launched the Continuous
Annealing Line to process steel grades up to 50% stronger than on the CG lines
with superior flatness. These properties help automakers fabricate lighter,
safer parts to meet the stringent 2025 CAFE standards.