Since joining ESCO Corporation in 1972, as part of the company's foundry training program, Steve Pratt has been a champion of problem solving through technical and engineering innovation and smart application of lean principles and continuous improvement.

Today, as ESCO Chairman and CEO, Pratt infuses the company's vision and strategies with this innovative and lean approach -- an approach that has made ESCO a global leader in the manufacture of highly-engineered metal wear parts and components for industrial applications, including mining, construction, power generation and aerospace.

In 1969, Pratt received his BSME from the University of Washington. Two years later, he earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance and Commerce.

Pratt is a noted and recognized voice among Oregon manufacturers, has served as chair of the Associated Oregon Industries and currently serves as the chair of the Oregon Business Plan Steering Committee.

At the 2007 Oregon Business Leadership Summit in Portland, Pratt outlined one of the event's primary themes: "At ESCO, we view sustainability as a sound business strategy, not just a public relations opportunity; and we link green and lean together. They are integral to one another and can't successfully be achieved one without the other. Sustainability is a shared value at ESCO. It's a commitment that targets a minimal environmental impact from start to finish.

Pratt reinforced the theme of sustainability by urging state business and public sector leaders to mount support and resources behind growing Oregon's innovative natural resources industries: "Oregon has a reputation as a leader in sustainable development. In order to maintain and build upon that reputation, the Oregon Business Plan aims at aligning the state's industry, academic and nonprofit strengths to leverage Oregon as a global leader in sustainability and natural resource enterprises and expertise."

Business Plan 2.0 takes Oregon beyond basics

Podcaster: Chester Bateman