Service Centers

SPS Companies and State Steel combine service center businesses
Written by Ethan Bernard
January 8, 2025
Steel fabricators and distributors SPS Companies and State Steel will merge their service center businesses under the SPS Companies family of firms.
Sioux City, Iowa-based State Steel will continue as an independent business unit. David Bernstein will remain president, and the current senior management will retain its positions and responsibilities.
“SPS has a corporate structure that will allow the State business model to continue to grow and thrive well into the future,” Bernstein said in a statement on Tuesday.
Seamless transition
“Our customers will see a seamless transition with their same sales contacts and the same commitment to quality products and services they have grown to trust with State,” Bernstein added.
State and Manhattan, Kan.-based SPS jointly acquired the job shop operations of steel fabricator Kooima Co., based in Rock Valley, Iowa, in 2019.
“Through the collaboration with SPS on Kooima, it became apparent that SPS is a highly logical fit as both companies are private and share very similar cultures,” Bernstein noted.
The scrap concern Sioux City Compressed Steel and Kooima ownership held by the Bernstein family will not be part of the transaction.
Further terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Crocker thanks Bernstein family
“We are grateful that the Bernstein family considered SPS a worthy partner to continue the legacy of the business they have dedicated so much time building,” Matt Crocker, CEO of SPS, said in the statement.
SPS has steel distribution and fabrication operations in 11 US states and Monterrey, Mexico.
State Steel has steel distribution and fabrication facilities in six cities in the upper Midwest.

Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in Service Centers

O’Neal CEO Parnell discusses technology, flexibility, and camaraderie
Her insatiable curiosity and desire to solve complex problems remain at the forefront of O’Neal Steel President and CEO Jodi Parnell’s success in the steel industry. Parnell is as fluent in employee management styles as she is in managing successful client technology adoption.

Olympic remains acquisitive despite Q2 earnings slide
Olympic Steel's earnings fell in the second quarter amid an "unprecedented" environment in the metals industry.

Ryerson profits fall in Q2 on low demand
Ryerson’s earnings slumped in the second quarter amid “recessed” demand.

Reliance logs another record for Q2 tons sold
Reliance Inc. reported record second-quarter tonnages, with 1.62 million tons sold in the second quarter of 2025, a 4% increase year over year (y/y).

Triple-S closes on American Stainless Tubing buy
Triple-S Steel Holdings has closed on its previously announced acquisition of American Stainless Tubing.