http://www.metalcenternews.com RSS feeds for Metal Center News 60 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9402/People-on-the-Move.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9402 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9402&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9402/People-on-the-Move.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 People on the Move Houston-based Ranger Steel Services LP, the largest independent steel plate distributor in the United States, has promoted Sales Vice President Jeff McPherson to president, and Operations Vice President Jochen Seeba to chief operating officer. Ranger owner Ron Whitley, former president and COO, will assume the role of CEO. McPherson has spent his entire 33-year career in the steel business with Ranger, while Seeba has been with the company for 21 years. Olympic Steel, Cleveland, has announced several executive and operating management changes. Richard A. Manson has been promoted to vice president and treasurer; John Mooney has been promoted to vice president and general manager – Mid States; and Michelle Pearson-Casey has been promoted to director of human resources. Kathy Esquerra has joined United Performance Metals' LaMirada, Calif.-based location as regional accounts manager. She will represent UMP in northern and central California, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. Jeff Simons has been promoted to vice president of marketing and business development for O’Neal Industries, Birmingham, Ala., replacing John Campo, who retired. Additionally, Jeff Stephen has been promoted to replace Simons as vice president of sales and marketing for O'Neal Steel. Pennsylvania Steel has added two new territory managers. Dave Darden will manage the company's Virginia Tidewater market region from the company's Richmond division, and Gordon Booth has joined the company to serve its Greensboro Triad, Raleigh-Durham and Roanoke markets out of the Gastonia, N.C., facility. The Steel Supply Co., Rolling Meadows, Ill., has appointed three new positions. Tyler Korshak is the company's machine shop superintendent, Rich Kastory is the new senior buyer for tubular products and Meredith Golembiewski is the company’s finance assistant. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9402 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9401/Nebraska-Governor-OKs-new-Keystone-Route.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9401 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9401&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9401/Nebraska-Governor-OKs-new-Keystone-Route.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 Nebraska Governor OKs new Keystone Route Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has approved a new state route for the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, giving project supporters new hope for its passage. "Governor Heineman's decision is another positive step that we hope will clear the way for final approval of the Keystone XL pipeline by President Obama. The pipeline is an immediate job creator—its construction will create tens of thousands of manufacturing and construction jobs, plus significantly more indirect 'spin-off' jobs," says National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy Ross Eisenberg. Access to affordable energy sources is critical to manufacturers' ability to compete in the growing global marketplace, NAM contends, and the Keystone XL pipeline will provide manufacturers with another valuable energy source from a neighboring ally. "We urge President Obama to approve the Keystone XL pipeline as soon as possible to help get Americans back to work," Eisenberg says. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9401 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9400/Top-10-Equipment-Acquisition-Trends-for-2013.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9400 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9400&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9400/Top-10-Equipment-Acquisition-Trends-for-2013.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2013 The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, Washington, D.C., has released its Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2013. Every year, U.S. businesses, nonprofits and government agencies make over $1.2 trillion in capital goods, software and other fixed business investments, having a significant impact on the U.S. economy. "Equipment acquisition plays a critical role in driving the supply chains across all U.S. manufacturing and service sectors," says ELFA President and CEO William G. Sutton. "We have distilled recent research data, industry participants’ expertise and member input from ELFA meetings and conferences to provide our best insight for the top equipment acquisition trends for the coming year." The following is designed to help businesses with their strategic equipment acquisition plans: 1. Corporate perceptions of the economic outlook will be a primary driver of business investment decisions. Despite pressing considerations such as technological innovations and aging equipment, the economy will be the true barometer for whether businesses acquire new equipment in 2013. 2. Equipment investment will pick up in the second half of 2013 as the nation’s fiscal uncertainty eases. An improving housing sector will provide an added boost. 3. Pent-up demand will spur investment across varied equipment types. Demand for replacement equipment will drive investment in the construction, agriculture and transportation categories in particular. However, greater economic improvements will be needed before significant investment expansion takes place. 4. The prospect of continued low interest rates at least through 2014 will be an incentive for businesses to acquire equipment through financing, while holding on to their cash for uncertainties. 5. A majority of U.S. businesses will use some form of financing for equipment acquisition. In 2013, $742 billion or 55 percent of the projected $1.3 trillion investment in plant, equipment and software will be financed through loans, leases and lines of credit. Seven out of 10 businesses will use at least one form of financing to acquire equipment. 6. Larger businesses will be the primary acquirers of new equipment in the next 12 months. Small companies’ high degree of concern about general economic conditions and less access to credit will temper their equipment acquisition plans. 7. The gaining prominence of cloud computing will transform the way businesses pay for IT investments. Along with changes in how companies consume software and hardware, cloud computing will spawn new financing options. Companies will look to equipment financiers for variable payment structures in the cloud. 8. Credit market conditions will remain favorable for long-term equipment financing. Businesses will generally find an improving credit supply as they consider equipment acquisitions. 9. The one-year extension of bonus depreciation may provide incentives for businesses to acquire equipment. The continuation of the depreciation bonus will allow businesses to deduct up to 50 percent of the cost of new equipment purchases in 2013. 10. Although the value of lease financing will remain, businesses will begin to adapt their equipment acquisition strategies to comply with long-awaited changes to lease accounting standards due later this year. At that point, businesses will begin to evaluate how their balance sheets, earnings and other financials will be affected by equipment financing agreements. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9400 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9399/MSCI-Early-Gains-Disappear-as-2012-Shipments-Match-2011.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9399 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9399&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9399/MSCI-Early-Gains-Disappear-as-2012-Shipments-Match-2011.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 MSCI: Early Gains Disappear as 2012 Shipments Match 2011 Service center shipments of steel and aluminum finished 2012 about the same as in 2011. With the exception of a modest increase in aluminum shipments in Canada, the slowdown that characterized the second half wiped out most gains earlier in the year. Inventory to sales ratios deteriorated across the board, according to the latest Metals Activity Report from the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill. U.S. service centers shipped more than 2.5 million tons of steel products in December, a decrease of 14.4 percent from December 2011. For full-year 2012, steel shipments totaled 41.2 million tons, an increase of just 1.3 percent from 2011. Steel product inventories totaled 8.5 million tons at the end of December, an increase of 2.4 percent over the previous December, and an increase of 4.6 percent from the previous month. At the December shipping rate, this represented 3.4 months of supply in inventory, an increase of 19.6 percent from a year ago. U.S. service centers shipped 91,900 tons of aluminum products in December, a decrease of 15.9 percent from the same month in 2011. For 2012, aluminum shipments neared 1.5 million tons, a decrease of 0.9 percent from 2011. Inventories of aluminum products totaled 365,600 tons at the end of December, an increase of 2.4 percent over December 2011, and an increase of 0.1 percent from the prior month. At the December shipping rate, this represented 4.0 months of supply in inventory, an increase of 21.9 percent from a year ago. Canadian service centers shipped 338,600 tons of steel products in December, a decrease of 19.3 percent from December 2011. For full-year 2012, steel shipments hit 6.1 million tons, a decrease of 2.8 percent from 2011. Canadian steel product inventories totaled 1.8 million tons at the end of December, an increase of 21.6 percent from the prior December, and an increase of 9.7 percent from the prior month. At the December shipping rate, this represented 5.4 months of supply in inventory, an increase of 50.7 percent from a year ago. Canadian service centers shipped 8,500 tons of aluminum products in December, a decrease of 12.1 percent from the same month in 2011. For 2012, Canadian aluminum shipments totaled 157,100 tons, an increase of 7.3 percent from 2011. Canadian inventories of aluminum products totaled 38,800 tons at the end of December, an increase of 13.2 percent from December 2011, and a decrease of 1.5 percent from the prior month. At the December shipping rate, this represented 4.5 months of supply in inventory, an increase of 28.8 percent from a year ago. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9399 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9398/NASA-Membership-Up-to-115-Companies.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9398 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9398&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9398/NASA-Membership-Up-to-115-Companies.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 NASA Membership Up to 115 Companies North American Steel Alliance, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., has added four new service centers to its membership rolls. The four new companies bring the co-op's total to 115 members, representing 375 operating locations in the United States and Canada. NASA's newest member/owner service centers are: Haskins Steel Co., Spokane Wash.; Lexington Steel Corp., Bedford Park, Ill.; Scheu Steel Supply Co., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; and Seaport Steel, Seattle. Incorporated in November 1996, NASA is a member-owned purchasing cooperative serving the metals distribution industry. Collectively, NASA represents annual revenues exceeding $7.5 billion dollars. NASA's primary business focus is to strategically link its independently owned member companies with the highest quality preferred suppliers, both metal and operational, to create opportunities increasing profitability and ensuring ongoing success, officials say. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9398 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9397/ITC-Ruling-Favors-US-Clad-Steel-Plate-Producers.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9397 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9397&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9397/ITC-Ruling-Favors-US-Clad-Steel-Plate-Producers.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 ITC Ruling Favors U.S. Clad Steel Plate Producers Domestic producers of clad steel plate are applauding the U.S. International Trade Commission's determination last month that revoking the antidumping duty order on imports of clad plate from Japan would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of injury to the U.S. industry. The ITC's determination comes on the heels of a Commerce Department finding that the foreign producers subject to the order were likely to resume dumping at a margin of 118.53 percent if the order was revoked. "This is a very positive result for the domestic clad steel plate industry," said Kathleen Cannon, a partner at Washington, D.C.-based Kelley Drye & Warren and counsel to the domestic clad plate industry. "The significant volume of dumped imports from Japan likely to enter the United States absent this order would decimate the U.S. industry. The vote is an important step in preserving these U.S. manufacturing operations and the jobs of workers in this industry." The existing trade order has been in place since 1996. The five-year review of this order was initiated on Feb. 1, 2012. As a result of last month’s vote, the order will remain in place for an additional five years before another sunset review is undertaken. Clad steel plate is a flat-rolled, corrosion-resistant steel plate product used to manufacture vessels or structures for heavy industry projects where corrosion-resistant qualities are essential. The domestic producers of clad steel plate who participated in this review are ArcelorMittal USA and Dynamic Materials Corp. ArcelorMittal USA's clad plate manufacturing operations are in Coatesville, Pa., and Dynamic Material Corp.’s operations are in Mt. Braddock, Pa. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9397 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9396/German-Company-Building-Auto-Parts-Facility-in-Kentucky.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9396 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9396&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9396/German-Company-Building-Auto-Parts-Facility-in-Kentucky.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 German Company Building Auto Parts Facility in Kentucky Germany's Kemmerich has announced plans to construct its first manufacturing facility in the United States. Kemmerich USA is launching a $12.2 million investment to construct an automotive parts manufacturing facility in Murray, Ky. Kemmerich, established in Germany in the late 19th century, has been a key supplier to the automotive industry for more than 50 years. The company has grown to become an original equipment manufacturer in several international markets, and produces stamped and welded components for a variety of automotive manufacturers. "We chose Murray after a lengthy search throughout the United States," says Thomas Bergen, CEO of Kemmerich. "Three key factors were important to us: cost of production, workforce and logistics. We see that Murray offers lower costs of production, a highly flexible and qualified workforce and a favorable location. Our new plant will be strategically positioned to supply General Motors and Ford in the Midwest, as well as Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen in the South." Murray is located in the southwestern corner of Kentucky, about two hours from Nashville, Tenn. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9396 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9395/Alcoa-Ends-Year-Strong-Forecasts-7-Percent-Growth-in-2013.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9395 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9395&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9395/Alcoa-Ends-Year-Strong-Forecasts-7-Percent-Growth-in-2013.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 Alcoa Ends Year Strong, Forecasts 7 Percent Growth in 2013 Alcoa, New York, reported net income of $191 million on total revenues of $23.7 billion in 2012, down from income of $611 million on revenues of $25 billion in 2011. Fourth-quarter 2012 net income from continuing operations of $242 million showed a significant improvement from the loss of $143 million in third-quarter 2012, and a loss of $191 million in fourth-quarter 2011. Revenue for the fourth quarter totaled $5.9 billion, up 1 percent compared with third-quarter 2012, but down 2 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2011. Year-on-year, the realized aluminum price fell 12 percent, equating to roughly $1 billion in market impact, the company noted in its quarterly report to analysts and investors last month. Despite low aluminum prices, Alcoa generated full-year income and met all of its cash sustainability targets for the fourth consecutive year. The company claims it delivered $1.3 billion in productivity and overhead improvements, reduced days working capital by three days, and ended the year in a strong liquidity position with net debt at its lowest level since 2006 and $1.9 billion cash on hand. "Alcoa hit record profitability in our mid and downstream businesses, and continued to drive efficiency in our upstream businesses in the fourth quarter, all while cutting debt and maintaining our cash position," said Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa chairman and CEO. "We overcame volatile metal prices and global economic instability to deliver on our targets for the fourth year in a row. We enter 2013 in a strong position to maximize profitable growth." In 2013, Alcoa predicts global aluminum demand growth of 7 percent, up from 6 percent in 2012 and ahead of the 6.5 percent rate required to meet the company's forecast of a doubling in global aluminum demand between 2010 and 2020. Aluminum demand grew 10 percent in 2011 on top of 13 percent growth in 2010. By market segment, Alcoa projects global growth this year of 9-10 percent in aerospace, 1-4 percent in automotive, 2-7 percent in commercial transportation, 2-3 percent in packaging, 4-5 percent in building and construction, and 3-5 percent in industrial gas turbines. Alcoa has now completed its planned closure or curtailment of 531,000 metric tons, or 12 percent, of its highest-cost smelting capacity, further improving its competitive position, executives said. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9395 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9394/Stahlschmidt-Bouchard-Venture-Acquire-Esmark-Technologies.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9394 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9394&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9394/Stahlschmidt-Bouchard-Venture-Acquire-Esmark-Technologies.aspx Jan. 23, 2013 Stahlschmidt, Bouchard Venture Acquire Esmark Technologies Stahlschmidt Inc. and Bouchard Group LLC have jointly acquired Esmark Technologies from Esmark Inc. The venture will be operated as a vertically integrated industrial services company and will continue to operate under the Esmark Technologies brand. Stahlschmidt will own 60 percent of the venture and manage operations. Esmark Technologies was formed to provide technical and management services and commercial support across specific market segments, including the steel, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Under Stahlschmidt’s leadership, Esmark Technologies will focus on project development, resource recovery, energy efficiency solutions, structured trade finance and tailored supply chain management solutions in the North American industrial metals, energy and manufacturing sectors, company officials say. Esmark Technologies will be based in Cleveland, where Stahlschmidt's North American operations have been headquartered since 1995. The companies expect the Ohio region to be of significant importance as Esmark Technologies looks to expand and develop future projects, including a diversified pipe and aggregates depot and ancillary services to support the Marcellus field demand; a possible tin printing venture; and a coal transfer/blending station or shale gas co-generation facility on or near existing Esmark facilities. "The market needs the types of industrial solutions Esmark Technologies will offer. Esmark will continue to focus on its core businesses, especially given our recent acquisition of Ohio Cold Rolling Co. and Ohio Coatings Co. However, I personally believe in the growth potential of our business with complementary support from Esmark Technologies, and it is for this reason Bouchard Group is investing alongside Stahlschmidt in the new ventures of Esmark Technologies," says Esmark Chairman and CEO James P. Bouchard. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9394 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9231/Manufacturing-Adds-25000-Jobs-in-December.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9231 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9231&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9231/Manufacturing-Adds-25000-Jobs-in-December.aspx Jan. 9, 2013 Manufacturing Adds 25,000 Jobs in December The U.S. manufacturing sector added 25,000 net new workers in December, its strongest monthly gain since March, according to the latest government data. Over the course of 2012, manufacturers hired an additional 180,000 workers, or 10 percent of all new nonfarm payroll jobs, the majority of which were created in the first half of 2012. "This was slower growth than we had hoped to see," says Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers, Washington, D.C. "Clearly the fiscal cliff and other uncertainties had an impact in the second half of the year." Looking more specifically at the December manufacturing employment numbers, durable and nondurable goods sectors added 11,000 and 14,000 workers, respectively. Most of these gains can be largely attributed to rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy, as construction jobs also saw an increase of 30,000. The largest gains were seen in motor vehicle and parts, up 4,800; food manufacturing, up 4,500; chemical, up 4,300; nonmetallic mineral products, up 3,500; plastics and rubber products, up 2,100; and machinery, up 2,000. Even with this uptick in December, the data show several areas of weakness in manufacturing, including electrical equipment and appliances, down 2,100, and fabricated metal products, down 700. The December jobs report shows an economy that is growing modestly, but not enough to bring down the unemployment rate in a material way, Moutray says. Overall U.S. unemployment remains elevated at 7.8 percent, with real unemployment unchanged at 14.4 percent. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9231 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9230/ISM-Manufacturing-Grows-in-December.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9230 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9230&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9230/ISM-Manufacturing-Grows-in-December.aspx Jan. 9, 2013 ISM: Manufacturing Grows in December Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in December following a month of contraction, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business from the Institute for Supply Management, Tempe, Ariz. The PMI registered 50.7, a full 1.2 percentage points better than the November reading, its low point for the year. A reading above 50 indicates growth. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, seven reported growth in December, including primary metals. On the other hand, fabricated metals, machinery and miscellaneous manufacturing all reported contraction in December. The average PMI for January through December of 51.7 percent corresponds to a 3.1 percent increase in real gross domestic product. In addition, if the PMI for December is annualized, it corresponds to a 2.7 percent increase in real GDP annually, says Bradley J. Holcomb, chairman of ISM's Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. Among other reports, ISM's New Orders Index remained at 50.3 percent, indicating growth for the fourth straight month. The Production Index was down 1.2 percentage points to 52.6, though still growing. The Employment Index registered 52.7 percent, an increase of 4.3 percentage points and a resumption of growth following one month of contraction. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9230 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9229/Klockner-Divesting-European-Operations.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9229 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9229&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9229/Klockner-Divesting-European-Operations.aspx Jan. 9, 2013 Klöckner Divesting European Operations Klöckner & Co., one of the world's largest distribution companies, is selling its entire Eastern European operation as part of a restructuring program. Klöckner is the parent company of Kloeckner Metals, the third-largest service center company in the Metal Center News Top 50. During the first phase of the restructuring, Klöckner sold its operations in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania. Those entities made up more than two-thirds of the company’s operations in Eastern Europe. The company expects to complete sales of its operating activities in Poland and Lithuania during the first quarter. Altogether, Klöckner's Eastern European operations generated sales of an estimated $132 million annually. "We are making faster progress than expected in implementing our restructuring program in which a total of 60 sites will be closed or sold and the workforce reduced by 1,800 employees," says Gisbert Rühl, chairman of the management board of Klöckner & Co. By the end of the third quarter, the company had already closed 20 sites and cut 800 jobs. The buyers for the Eastern European operations are local companies that will carry on as independent organizations. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9229 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9228/Samuel-Acquires-Frontier-Steel.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9228 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9228&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9228/Samuel-Acquires-Frontier-Steel.aspx Jan. 9, 2013 Samuel Acquires Frontier Steel Samuel, Son & Co. Ltd., Mississauga, Ont., has acquired Frontier Steel Co., a Pittsburgh-based distributor of carbon plate. Founded in 1999, Frontier operates a 125,000-square-foot warehouse on the Ohio River. Frontier processes and distributes five grades of carbon plate, plus two grades of alloy plates in thicknesses from 3/16 inch to 16 inches, widths up to 120 feet and lengths up to 720 feet. Frontier serves customers in the heavy equipment, energy, transportation, defense and construction industries. The company’s processing equipment includes oxyfuel and plasma burning, vertical milling, machining, tapping, beveling, drilling and boring. "Frontier Steel is a very good fit with our strategic expansion in the United States," says Wayne Bassett, president and CEO of Samuel. "Frontier will now be able to offer their customers a full range of carbon, stainless and aluminum flat-rolled service center products, as well as products produced by our manufacturing division." John Matig will continue as president and general manager of Frontier Steel, supported by his senior management team. He will report to Al Bromley, president of Samuel, Son & Co. Inc. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9228 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9227/Charter-Manufacturing-Acquires-Dura-Bars-Parent-Company.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9227 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9227&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9227/Charter-Manufacturing-Acquires-Dura-Bars-Parent-Company.aspx Jan. 9, 2013 Charter Manufacturing Acquires Dura-Bar's Parent Company Charter Manufacturing Co., Mequon, Wis., has acquired Illinois-based Wells Manufacturing. The acquisition includes Dura-Bar and Dura-Bar Metal Services. Dura-Bar is a leader in the production of continuous cast iron bar stock. Dura-Bar Metal Services distributes those products and bronze alloys. "Dura-Bar and Wells Manufacturing make an excellent match for Charter Manufacturing," says John A. Mellowes, chairman and CEO. "Both are family-owned companies that are respected leaders in their particular industries." As a result of the transaction, Charter will add a fourth division that focuses on distributing specialty iron bar to its existing businesses: Charter Steel, Charter Wire and Charter Automotive. Charter Steel supplies carbon and alloy steel bar, rod and wire products, and Charter Wire is a distributor of cold-finish bar, cold-rolled steel custom profiles, wire and other coil products. "For Charter, the acquisition of Dura-Bar and Dura-Bar Metal Services allows our organization to diversify and extend our reach into new markets. The acquisition complements our continuing, strong focus on the automotive sector and, while that will always be important to Charter, extends our reach into the capital goods market," Mellowes says. "This acquisition strengthens Dura-Bar’s future and enhances its ability to grow nationally and internationally for the long term,” adds Thomas W. Wells, chairman, president and CEO of Wells Manufacturing. “Both Charter and Wells share similar value structures and a work culture that will allow the organization to be the most competitive cast iron bar enterprise in the world." Wells Manufacturing has approximately 360 employees at its Dura-Bar facilities in Woodstock, Ill.; York, Penn.; Salisbury, N.C.; and Changzhou, China. Charter has operations in Milwaukee; Cuyahoga Heights and Fostoria, Ohio; Lichfield, U.K.; and Wuhu, China. Charter employs about 1,500 people. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9227 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9226/ASD-Honors-Voss-Industries-Butera-as-Man-of-Year.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9226 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9226&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9226/ASD-Honors-Voss-Industries-Butera-as-Man-of-Year.aspx Jan. 9, 2013 ASD Honors Voss Industries' Butera as Man of Year The Chicago-based Association of Steel Distributors has named Tony Butera, president of Taylor, Mich.-based Voss Industries, its Steel Man of the Year. The annual award recognizes an individual who embodies leadership, dedication, service and excellent in the steel industry. "To receive the Steel Man of the Year Award from ASD is very humbling," Butera says. "I appreciate the fact that so many people know I've been around for [such a] long time." Butera got his start in the industry after his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent the first six years of his career at a small warehouse started by Paul Voss, founder of Voss Steel, learning every facet of the business—from shipping clerk, maintenance and foreman, to inventory control and sales. In 1957, Butera left the company and sought sales training through the GI Bill. His first sales job was at a small warehouse on Michigan Avenue in Detroit. While in Detroit, he stayed in touch with Gabe Voss, one of the founders of Voss Steel. He eventually went back to the company and hasn’t looked back since. "Tony is a man of integrity and honor," says Lisa Goldenberg, president of ASD and Delaware Steel. "His longstanding commitment to Voss and the steel industry is exemplary. Voss Industries is a leader in our field and I know they are grateful to have Tony as part of its team." Butera will be officially recognized at a black-tie event at the 2013 ASD Annual Convention on March 23 at the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9226 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9225/Worthington-Reports-Sales-Earnings-Gains.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9225 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9225&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9225/Worthington-Reports-Sales-Earnings-Gains.aspx Jan. 9, 2013 Worthington Reports Sales, Earnings Gains Worthington Industries, Columbus, Ohio, reported net earnings of $31.8 million for the company’s second quarter, which ended Nov. 30. The earnings were up 163.3 percent versus the same quarter a year earlier. Net sales for the quarter totaled $622.6 million, an improvement of 10.0 percent from the previous year’s second quarter. "We had strong performances from most of our businesses in the second quarter, with volume increases in Pressure Cylinders, and a steady performance from Steel Processing, offset by softness in Engineered Cabs," said John McConnell, chairman and CEO. "Our year-over-year performance improved despite declining steel prices, thanks to contributions from recent acquisitions. We are very pleased with the results of our latest acquisition, Westerman, whose products include tanks for use in on-site production in shale drilling activity." An increase in volume was partially offset by lower average selling prices, primarily in Steel Processing, which were affected by the declining market price of steel. Most of the volume increase resulted from the acquisition of Angus Industries, reported under the Engineered Cabs segment, and two acquisitions in Pressure Cylinders. Steel Processing's net sales of $339.3 million were down 9 percent from the prior-year quarter, the result of lower average selling prices and a decrease in volumes. The lower volumes were driven by the wind down of unprofitable customer accounts from the MISA Metals acquisition in fiscal 2012. The mix of direct versus toll tons processed was 55 percent to 45 percent, compared with a 51 percent to 49 percent in the comparable quarter of the prior year. Operating income increased by $5.9 million due primarily to lower inventory holding losses in the current quarter. "We expect to see the normal seasonality in our traditional markets in the third quarter," McConnell said. "We do think that the delay by lawmakers in addressing the country's fiscal crisis has resulted in a pullback in some areas of the economy. While this may impact some of our cyclical businesses, we continue to anticipate good performance in our higher growth cylinder operations serving retail, alternative fuels and energy markets." Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9225