POSCO Selects 'POSCO Masters' for 2020

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoonju Hwang] POSCO has selected three ‘POSCO Masters’ in 2020 who possess world-class technical expertise and know-how.

On July 7, at the group management meeting, POSCO Chairman Choi Jeong-woo presented the POSCO Master appointment plaques to Jeong Gyu-jeom, Head of the Pohang EIC (Electrical Equipment Control) Technology Department, Lee Jeong-ho, Manager of the Pohang Equipment Technology Department, and Son Byeong-geun, Deputy General Manager of the Gwangyang Plating Department. At the award ceremony, Chairman Choi said, “I hope the efforts and passion of the three POSCO Masters will spread so that all employees working on-site will challenge themselves to become masters. I also ask that you continue to lead the strengthening of on-site competitiveness as role models of ‘technical personnel,’ the source of the company’s competitiveness, and lead the role of corporate citizenship.”

Since 2015, POSCO has selected three POSCO Masters annually, and this year as well, they were granted a special promotion of one rank and awarded prizes worth 20 million KRW. Furthermore, outstanding masters are given preferential treatment to grow up to executive positions. In fact, in the 2018 regular personnel appointment, Son Byeong-rak, who was selected as a POSCO Master in 2015, was promoted to the first-ever executive director.

Jeong Gyu-jeom, Master of the Pohang EIC Technology Department who joined in 1985, is the top technician in the field of power system equipment maintenance and repair at the steelworks. Master Jeong contributed to the stable power supply within the steelworks by establishing infrastructure to prevent power outages and possesses operational technology that minimizes operational damage through proactive equipment management and rapid response to equipment failures by optimizing the operation of power equipment protection systems. Additionally, to pass on his skills, last year he devoted 200 hours to training activities to nurture new employees and equipment specialists. Master Jeong said, “Being appointed as a master feels like a heavy responsibility. I will carefully consider what I can do for the company and strive to enhance the competitiveness of the steelworks.”

Lee Jeong-ho, Master of the Pohang Equipment Technology Department who joined in 1987, is a graduate of the first class of POSCO Technical University and is recognized as the top technician with expertise in vibration and balancing management of rotating equipment such as motors, turbines, and blowers within the steelworks, as well as repair skills for mechanical unit parts. In particular, Master Lee has contributed to the development of crack reduction and repair technologies for rotating equipment that moves the converter in the steelmaking process, and is highly regarded for his ability to remodel and improve overall rotating equipment by applying technologies that extend the lifespan and stabilize vibrations of power generation and rotating equipment in the steelworks.

He is also praised by colleagues for his leadership in communication, actively addressing technical problem-solving for junior employees. Master Lee said, “After Master Kim Cha-jin (Pohang Blast Furnace Maintenance Section), I was appointed as a master representing the mechanical sector, and I am contemplating how I should contribute to the company going forward. I want to play a role in bridging the gap between senior employees with long service who are about to retire and the juniors.”

Son Byeong-geun, Master of the Gwangyang Plating Department who joined in 1987, achieved differentiation in quality through surface improvement of high value-added products such as automotive exterior panels and the development of ultra-wide sheet production technology for electro-galvanized steel sheets. He also made significant achievements in establishing a mass production quality assurance system to expand orders for Giga steel electro-galvanized steel sheets. In particular, his technology to reduce end marks (pressure marks) that occur when coiling contributed to customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge over global competitors.

The three POSCO Masters selected this day, along with the 13 existing masters, will contribute to enhancing the company’s technological competitiveness through various activities such as transferring expertise in specialized fields, special lectures for new employees and in-house university courses, and equipment management lectures for partner companies and customers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.