Forging pillars of peace

THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN
YOUNGSTOWN -- At a time when peace is on the minds of many Americans, two brothers from a local steel company are doing something about it in an artistic way.
Michael and Brian Phillips of Coronado Steel in Youngstown have contributed a lot of time and energy for the development of a Peace Fountain to promote peace and harmony in Northern Ireland.
The family-owned company molded the pillars for the fountain, and the Phillips brothers poured the first pillar on New Year's Eve.
"We are pleased to play a small part in such a big statement for peace," said Michael Phillips, president of Coronado Steel, 2360 Funston Drive.
Coming together: The Northern Ireland Community Cooperation Initiative has had a dream of making a Peace Fountain for Northern Ireland, and this is becoming a reality with the help of the Phillips brothers and other businesses.
The 1,600-pound fountain will be made of stainless steel and melted-down confiscated firearms donated by more than 500 Ohio police departments.
Besides Coronado Steel, Yarde Metals Inc. of Bristol, Conn., Foster Patternworks of Columbiana and Keener Sand & amp; Clay Co. of Columbus all donated to the project.
Michael, 35, Brian, 26, and their father, Steven Phillips, went into the project with much enthusiasm. With Brian Phillips' artistic background, the brothers became interested in the project and soon recruited everyone in their company to become involved.
"I am very pleased to see my sons involved in such an important endeavor," said Steven Phillips, co-owner of Coronado Steel.
Designed at Kent State: The NICCI Peace Fountain was designed two years ago in a design class at Kent State University by Michael Whitely, owner of Inspirational Media and an employee of the Ashtabula County Narcotics Agency and deputy for the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Department.
Each pillar on the fountain will represent an Ireland county, and the cascading water will symbolize the washing away of old conflicts and the promise of a new beginning for Northern Ireland.
"We are very eager to develop the artistic side of our company, and the Peace Fountain has been a very exciting project for us," said Michael Phillips.
The fountain will be unveiled in Northern Ireland in July.
First step: Brian Phillips, who is a newcomer to the family business, feels positive about the fountain project and believes that it has opened the doors for future business.
"This has been an important first step for me and I look forward to using my artistic skills in future projects," he said.
Michael Phillips and his wife, Kelly, have two sons, Michael Jr., 8, and Tyler, 6, and they live in Austintown. Brian Phillips, who is single, lives in Akron.
Coronado Steel produces high-alloy castings with water- and heat-resistant properties for the power generation, petrochemical, mining, medical and other industries. The company, which has 24 employees, was founded in the 1960s and bought by Steven and Michael Phillips in 1997.