Pacific States Steel Corporation was one of the largest employers in Alameda County. About 400 workers toiled over massive furnaces each day, wearing wooden shoes and handling tons of metal. It was hard work for the workers. Not only was the furnace that intense, but also the work was dangerous. However, the pay was good. In 1950, employees working in the most dangerous area - known as the hot bath - could make up to $100 a day.
Pacific States Steel Corporation produced steel that went into government orders for winning the war and had big orders for everyday structural needs. Controller and General Manager Marion Newman was in charge of the plant, located on Nursery Road between Niles and Decoto, during that time. At the steel plant, employees had engineered and installed an air pollution control device to remove smoke from the steelmaking furnace stacks. Through the years they participated in civic organizations, little league baseball, and other activities in the community. Pacific States Steel closed its operation in 1978.
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