Gerdau Long Steel, North America is the parent company of steel mini-mills producing a variety of steel products by recycling scrap steel. The company sells to a diverse group of industries, including construction, railroad, defense, mobile homes, and appliances. Gerdau has received a great deal of attention in the media and among business leaders because it has relatively successful in an industry beset by a multi of problems. Much of the company's success can be attributed to a focus on customer service and product quality through a commitment to both its external customers and internal customers. To ensure that external customers are satisfied, Gerdau routinely conducts customer surveys, sends employees on site visits, and listens carefully to customer comments and suggestions. In addition, the company practices a number of quality-minded manufacturing techniques to reduce defect rates and prevent problems from occurring. Gerdau is very efficient, and new ideas and manufacturing techniques are transferred very quickly to the factory floor. As a result, the company remains on the leading edge of steel manufacturing technology and can adapt as customer requirements change. The company continues to improve its products and operations by benchmarking against world-class producers and giving employees paid sabbaticals, during which they learn about new work practices and technologies from academic institutions and industry leaders. Although these efforts are commendable, the company's commitment to its internal customers is equally important. At any one time, approximately 85% of Gerdau's employees are enrolled in some type of class, ranging from electronics to Spanish. If the training is off-site, the company reimburses employees for their tuition costs. In the plant, the majority of the employees are cross-trained, which enhances their individual job skills. The company benefits through consistency in operations because one employee can step in and perform the job of another employee if the need arises