Category: Distributors/Service Centers

Totten Tubes has opened a new facility in Cedar City, Utah. The steel tubing distributor and processor, based in Azusa, Calif., recently celebrated the facility’s grand opening.

Worthington Steel marked another step in its takeover of Kloeckner & Co. The Columbus, Ohio-based service center group announced on Sept. 8 that it had signed a domination and profit-and-loss transfer agreement (DPLTA) with Kloeckner. This was pursuant to the rules of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). The DPLTA continues the process of integrating the German service center group. This follows Worthington’s successful voluntary takeover offer for Kloeckner in June and the delisting of Kloeckner shares on the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, effective Aug. 12.

Worthington Steel remains focused on further acquisitions after the completion of its buy of service center group Kloeckner & Co.

Tight steel availability and lean inventories are increasing pressure on US service centers, according to speakers on a service center panel on Wednesday, August 26, at the SMU Steel Summit 2026.

Ryerson's CEO says US reshoring remains in its early stages, despite rising investment in manufacturing capacity.

The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.

SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) grew further in July, up for a third straight month. The result came as service center on-order volumes and new order entries accelerated, according to our latest service center inventories data.

Premium Report: US service centers’ flat-rolled steel supply rose marginally in July, reversing course for the first time all year. Shipping days of supply ticked up to 45.6, according to SMU data. Service center shipments in were more than 4% below intake, noticeably trailing inbound volumes.

Foreign steel remains sharply competitive, inventory levels are mostly steady, and demand is strengthening, according to SMU's Aug. 7 market survey. But buyers are more selective than earlier in the year, even as pricing momentum continues to push spot levels higher.

Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events. We are sharing a selection of the comments we received below, in each buyer’s own words.

Lindsay Goldberg, a private investment firm specializing in family-owned and founder-led businesses, will make a significant strategic investment in Alro Steel.

Russel Metals posted record quarterly revenues and shipments in the second quarter, boosted by strong market conditions and the integration of seven Kloeckner Metals Co. facilities.

Recent conversations with some hot-rolled coil spot market participants revealed spiking stress levels amidst a tightening supply of the steel sheet product.

The Longview, Texas-based flat-rolled processor and pipe manufacturer reported 206,000 short tons of shipments in the quarter, an increase of 28% from a year earlier.

The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.

In recent conversations, some participants predict mill maintenance outages and scheduled updates will crimp an already constricted market.

SPS Companies has acquired Jemison Metals, a carbon flat-roll service center and fabricator headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., from Jemison Investment Company.

Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events.

Ryerson's profits skyrocketed in the second quarter as company executives touted the initial results following the integration of Olympic Steel.

Privately owned service center group Triple-S Steel has announced its acquisition of Camden Yards Steel Co., effective July 21.

Foreign steel is gaining traction with US buyers, according to SMU's most recent Flat-Rolled Steel Survey. Most manufacturers and service centers now report competitive pricing, and more are placing new foreign orders.

Reliance Inc said that US government industrial policies contributed to its second-quarter financial success.

Strong steel prices and elevated interest rates may be reshaping the competitive landscape among metals distributors.

SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices indicate that buyers remain confident in their companies’ prospects today and in the near future.

The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.

SMU’s Mill Order Index 2continued to expand in June. The result came as service center on-order volumes and new order entries continue to rise, according to our latest service center inventories data.

Reliance Inc.'s earnings improved in the second quarter, boosted by a US government project for the border wall with Mexico.

Spot market absorbs price hikes amidst booming plate demand 

Some hot-rolled coil market participants said they're optimistic that the market will remain strong throughout the rest of the year. 

Some domestic plate market sources expect spot price rises through the end of the year due to prolonged supply constraints.