I am excited to be working with key representatives of the American steel industry to establish a consortium that will use advanced methods of simulation and visualization to address efficiency, reliability, and process design through collaboration in addressing pre-competitive projects. Purdue University Nortwest has a long history of working with the steel industry, and this consortium will take our involvement to a new level. The consortium also offers unprecedented opportunities for our students to learn through direct involvement with steel company representatives and to become acquainted with the employment potential of American manufacturing.