http://www.metalcenternews.com RSS feeds for Metal Center News 60 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9737/People-on-the-Move.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9737 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9737&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9737/People-on-the-Move.aspx Feb. 20, 2013 People on the Move Chairman and CEO John Mellowes will step down in July from those roles at Charter Manufacturing Co., Mequon, Wis., to become chairman emeritus. Following the established succession plan, John W. Mellowes, currently vice president and general manager of the company’s Charter Steel division, will become CEO of Charter Manufacturing. Charles A. Mellowes will become Charter’s board chairman, while maintaining his role of vice president of strategic planning and business development. Bill Austin, a 41-year veteran of Specialty Pipe & Tube Inc., Mineral Ridge, Ohio, is retiring from the company, where he served as quality assurance manager, safety manager and inside sales rep. Mark McAllister, a 10-year veteran of the company, has been promoted to replace him. Specialty Pipe & Tube is a leading master distributor of large-diameter, heavy-wall carbon steel pipe and mechanical tubing. Schupan Aluminum & Plastic Sales, Kalamazoo, Mich., has announced two executive promotions. John Barry, vice president of sales and marketing, has been promoted to president, while former president Mike Gildea will now serve as CEO. Central Steel & Wire Co., Chicago, has named three new territory sales managers. Ashton DeMaster will oversee the Wisconsin sales territory in Calumet and Winnebago counties; Jared Pivaronas is the manager in Tennessee, northern Alabama and northern Mississippi; and Chris Bielski will replace Aaron Bortz in Louisville, Ky. Bortz has retired after 35 years with the company. Pat Grace has been appointed North American sales manager, Lasers and Systems, for Trumpf Inc.'s Laser Technology Center in Plymouth, Mich. He has more than 10 years sales experience with Trumpf, most recently as regional sales manager. Jim Jung has been promoted to vice president of Trico Corp., Pewaukee, Wis., a maker of lubrication products. Jung is a fourth-generation member of the family-owned business. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9737 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9736/Service-Center-Shipments-Down-in-January.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9736 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9736&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9736/Service-Center-Shipments-Down-in-January.aspx Feb. 20, 2013 Service Center Shipments Down in January Service center shipments of steel and aluminum were down in January in both the United States and Canada, according to the first Metals Activity Report of 2013 from the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill. U.S. service centers shipped 3.6 million tons of steel products in January, a 2.1 percent decrease from the same month last year. Steel product inventories totaled 8.7 million tons at the end of January, a decrease of 0.4 percent from January a year ago, but an increase of 2.2 percent from last month. At January shipping rates, that represented 2.4 months of supply, an increase of 1.8 percent from a year ago. U.S. distributors shipped 126,100 tons of aluminum products in January, down 5.6 percent from the same month in 2012. Inventories of aluminum products totaled 366,400 tons at the end of January, a decrease of 2.1 percent from a year earlier, but an increase of 0.2 percent from the previous month. At January shipping rates, that represented 2.9 months of supply in inventory, an increase of 3.7 percent from a year ago. Canadian service centers shipped 522,300 tons of steel products in January, a decrease of 6.9 percent from the same month last year. Inventories totaled nearly 1.8 million tons at the end of the month, an increase of 5.7 percent from January a year ago, but a decrease of 3.2 percent from the previous month. At January shipping rates, that represented 3.4 months of supply, an increase of 13.5 percent from a year ago. Canadian distributors shipped 13,600 tons of aluminum products in January, a decrease of 3.0 percent from the same month last year. Inventories of aluminum products totaled 40,700 tons at the end of January, an increase of 19.2 percent from the same month in 2012, and an increase of 5.0 percent from the previous month. At January shipping rates, that represented 3.0 months of supply, an increase of 22.9 percent from a year ago. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9736 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9735/Antidumping-Orders-on-CORE-Products-Expire.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9735 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9735&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9735/Antidumping-Orders-on-CORE-Products-Expire.aspx Feb. 20, 2013 Antidumping Orders on CORE Products Expire The U.S. International Trade Commission voted unanimously to allow antidumping and countervailing duties to expire on corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products, commonly known as CORE, from South Korea and Germany. The galvanized steel sheet product is used as a construction material and for automobile and appliance manufacturing. The decision was based on evidence that revoking the antidumping and countervailing duties was unlikely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. The antidumping and countervailing duty orders that were revoked have been in place since 1993. The orders against CORE from Korea and Germany were the only orders remaining from the steel investigations of 1992, in which antidumping and countervailing petitions were filed against CTL plate from 15 countries, hot-rolled steel from nine countries, cold-rolled steel from 15 countries, and corrosion-resistant steel from nine countries. "Antidumping relief is not intended to be permanent," says Don Cameron of The International Trade Group of Morris, Manning & Martin LLP, which represented the primary producers of corrosion resistant steel in Korea, including POSCO, Hyundai Hysco Co., Dongbu Steel Co. and Union Steel Co. "These orders have been in place for 20 years. The ITC made the right decision." The revocation of the antidumping and countervailing duty order concluded the mandatory five-year administrative review of the issue. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9735 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9734/Aluminum-Maker-Novelis-Reports-Challenging-Quarter.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9734 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9734&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9734/Aluminum-Maker-Novelis-Reports-Challenging-Quarter.aspx Feb. 20, 2013 Aluminum Maker Novelis Reports 'Challenging Quarter' Novelis Inc., Atlanta, a leading producer of aluminum rolled products, reported net income of $3 million in its third fiscal quarter ended Dec. 31 on net sales of $2.32 billion. That compares to a loss of $11 million on sales of $2.46 billion in the same quarter of 2011. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $185 million for the third quarter, down from $213 million in the same period the prior year, due primarily to implementation of a new ERP system that resulted in lost shipments and reduced productivity. In addition, the company experienced unfavorable pricing dynamics in several regions, higher metal input costs in North America, and incremental project start-up costs associated with its global expansions. "The third quarter was challenging as we experienced more production disruptions than expected related to our ERP implementation in North America. These implementation issues are largely behind us, and production has returned to near normal levels," said Phil Martens, Novelis president and CEO. "This is a heavy investment period for us, which is necessary to maintain and grow our leadership position in the industry and allow us to capitalize on the significant growth we see ahead in our key end-markets," he added. "While we were disappointed with our results in the third quarter, we are pleased with the strong execution of our strategy." Novelis’ shipments of aluminum rolled products totaled 647,000 metric tons for the third quarter—flat compared to shipments of 648,000 tons for the same period the prior year. Net sales for the third quarter declined 6 percent, partly due to the divestiture of three foil plants in Europe. Sales also were affected by lower conversion premiums, as well as lower average aluminum prices. Novelis continues to make progress on its expansion strategy. In October, it began the commissioning process at its 265,000-metric ton fully-integrated recycling facility in Korea. In November, it broke ground on a 120,000-ton automotive heat treatment line, the first of its kind in China, and the world's largest 400,000-ton aluminum recycling and casting center in Germany. In December, it began the commissioning process at its Pinda mill in Brazil, which will add an incremental 220,000 tons of capacity once fully operational over the next two to three years, bringing total rolling capacity in South America to 600,000 metric tons. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9734 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9733/MK-Canada-Unveils-Two-New-Web-Sites.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9733 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9733&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9733/MK-Canada-Unveils-Two-New-Web-Sites.aspx Feb. 20, 2013 M/K Canada Unveils Two New Web Sites Marmon/Keystone's Canadian division has unveiled two new web sites to serve its customers. The Marmon/Keystone Canada site, www.mkcanada.com, focuses on the company's carbon products. Stainless and aluminum products are highlighted on the Specialty Steels division site, www.specialtysteels.com. Both websites are available in English and French. A key feature of the upgraded sites is real-time order tracking, which provides status updates on everything from order processing to shipping. Customers can simply register for an account via the web site homepage to access this useful feature. Free apps are also being developed for both Marmon/Keystone Canada and Specialty Steels that will provide mobile access to pipe charts, weight and measurement specifications, and other technical data. That will follow the launch from the Butler, Pa.-based headquarters of a new mobile app giving customers instant access to sales history, quotes, open orders, order status and mill test reports at the touch of a button. "This technology places essential information at the fingertips of our customers, simplifying the customer experience," says Jay Powell, director of e-commerce for Marmon/Keystone. The Marmon/Keystone app is designed for use on tablets and smart phones, and is available for download via the Apple App Store. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9733 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9732/Metals-USA-Reports-Profitable-2012.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9732 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9732&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9732/Metals-USA-Reports-Profitable-2012.aspx Feb. 20, 2013 Metals USA Reports Profitable 2012 Metals USA reported net income of $52.7 million in 2012 during what is expected to be the company's final year as an independent business. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based service center was acquired by service center giant Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. earlier this month. Metals USA's 2012 income was down 18.4 percent from the previous year. Net sales for the full year totaled $1.98 billion, a 5.1 percent improvement. The company shipped 1.6 million tons in 2012, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. "During the fourth quarter the market continued to be impacted by too much steel chasing too few orders. A prevailing weak business environment, compounded with typical seasonality around the holidays, forced us to choose between preserving margin or sales volumes, and we chose to maintain margin. As a consequence, our Q4 gross margin of 23.2 percent was consistent with margins achieved throughout 2012," said Lourenço Gonçalves, the company's chairman, president and CEO. In the fourth quarter, Metals USA's net sales totaled $437.5 million, down 3.9 percent from the same period in 2011. Net income fell from $14.0 million to $3.7 million, representing most of the company’s year-over-year decline. Fourth-quarter shipments of 353,000 tons were 8 percent higher than 2011. “We believe the demand weakness experienced in late 2012 is now behind us and we have begun 2013 with well-positioned inventory and our usual attitude to profitably win market share through execution and customer service," said Gonçalves, who is expected to retire once the deal with Reliance is completed. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9732 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9731/Russels-Earnings-Dip-16-Percent.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9731 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9731&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9731/Russels-Earnings-Dip-16-Percent.aspx Feb. 20, 2013 Russel's Earnings Dip 16 Percent Russel Metals Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, reported earnings of $20 million on revenues of $766 million in fourth-quarter 2012. This compares to earnings of $29 million on revenues of $712 million in fourth-quarter 2011. For the year, Russel’s earnings of $99 million on revenues of $3.0 billion were down 16 percent from the $118 million earned in 2011 on revenues of $2.7 billion. Brian Hedges, Russel president and CEO, called 2012 an exciting year, highlighted by the purchase of Apex Distribution and two other companies. "Through these acquisitions, we believe we have strengthened the company's ability to generate earnings over the cycle, and we are well positioned to reap the benefits in 2013 and beyond." Russel experienced weak demand in all its product segments in the fourth quarter, although its service centers outperformed the industry shipment volumes reported by the Metals Service Center Institute. "The stabilization of gross margins in the fourth quarter and the recent upward price movement by the mills should lead to higher margins in 2013," Hedges added. “We look forward to the expected materialization of a full year's benefits relating to the acquisitions we made in 2012." Russel's fourth-quarter earnings included $6 million in operating income from the Nov. 8 acquisition of Apex Distribution. This positive contribution to the company's energy-related earnings was muted by price declines in pipe products, however. Operating earnings for the energy segment improved to $18 million in the quarter, versus $17 million in fourth-quarter 2011. Fourth-quarter operating profits for Russel's service centers totaled $17 million, down from $21 million in the prior-year quarter. Results were affected by an industry-wide drop in volumes in November and December beyond normal seasonality. Gross margins improved slightly as steel mills attempted to raise prices, company officials said. In September 2012, unionized employees at Russel’s Boucherville, Quebec, operation took strike action. The work stoppage, which was resolved on Feb. 7, reduced the company's operating income by approximately $2 million. Fourth-quarter 2012 operating profits in Russel's Steel Distributor segment decreased to $7 million from $11 million in fourth-quarter 2011 due to soft demand and tightening margins. Gross margins improved slightly to 13.2 percent, consistent with the metals service center operations. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9731 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9573/Reliance-Grows-Again-with-Metals-USA-Acquisition.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9573 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9573&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9573/Reliance-Grows-Again-with-Metals-USA-Acquisition.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 Reliance Grows Again with Metals USA Acquisition Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., North America's largest service center organization, will get even larger with the acquisition of Metals USA, the market's eighth-largest competitor. The deal, announced today, is the largest of Reliance's 55 acquisitions since its IPO in 1994. Reliance agreed to pay $20.65 per share for an enterprise value of $1.2 billion. Metals USA's assets were valued at $1.0 billion at the end of 2012, with sales of $2.0 billion last year. Reliance's previous biggest deal was the 2006 merger with Earle M. Jorgensen Co., a company with $1.69 billion in sales at the time of the transaction. When the transaction is complete, Reliance will have total assets of more than $6.5 billion and annual sales of $10.0 billion, more than double North America’s second-largest service center company, Ryerson Inc. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the respective boards of both Reliance and Metals USA, but is subject to approval by Metals USA stockholders. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter. David H. Hannah, chairman and CEO of Reliance, will continue in those roles with the combined company. Lourenço Gonçalves, chairman, president and CEO of Metals USA, will retire. "We are very excited about Metals USA becoming an important part of the Reliance family of companies. This is our largest acquisition to date and will add a total of 48 service centers strategically located throughout the United States to our existing operations," Hannah says. "Metals USA is an excellent fit and nicely complements Reliance's existing customer base, product mix and geographic footprint. Additionally, the transaction is expected to be accretive immediately upon closing, and we believe that the combined company will be well positioned to continue to outperform the broader metals service center industry," Hannah says. Reliance plans to operate Metals USA under its current brand names. This will enable Reliance to retain Metals USA's brand equity while allowing the combined organization to capitalize on the resources, capabilities and leading practices of each entity, officials claim. "I am extremely proud of the company we have built," says Gonçalves. "Metals USA’s strong position in the metals service center industry will strategically enhance Reliance’s current business, and I am confident that together, our companies will continue to excel. We believe this transaction creates significant value and is in the best interest of our stockholders." Though Gonçalves will retire upon the deal’s completion, the rest of Metals USA's existing leadership will remain in place. Reliance officials expect to promote someone from within to head up its Metals USA entity. With the 48 Metals USA locations adding to Reliance's existing network of companies, there is going to be some market overlap. Though the company will consider consolidating some facilities, it's not a necessity, officials say. "We're not opposed to running multiple facilities in the same geographic area. As long as facilities in a given market area can support themselves with the returns we expect, we actually think we’re better off maintaining those separate facilities," Hannah said. Some analysts say the acquisition appears to diverge from Reliance's previously stated intention of buying well-run companies with strong leadership in place. Steel analyst Michelle Applebaum of Steel Market Intelligence remarks, "Metals USA was undermanaged, so there is accretion not only via sales but also likely margin expansion on the acquired revenue." However, Reliance officials denied the transaction was any change from their announced strategy. "We didn't deviate at all from what we've been saying in the past. Our strategy has been to focus on good well-run companies, the bigger the better, with good management teams in place. And that’s exactly what we have here," Hannah said. "It’s not a fixer-upper." Reliance expects to fund the transaction and refinance Metals USA's indebtedness from Reliance's existing $1.5 billion credit facility, together with funds from accessing the bank credit markets, as well as the debt capital markets. This expected financing will also provide additional liquidity to allow Reliance to support and continue to grow its operations, company officials say. The merger agreement permits Metals USA to solicit alternative acquisition proposals from third parties through March 8, and Metals USA intends to do so with the assistance of its financial and legal advisors. Investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management LLC, which own approximately 53 percent of the outstanding shares of Metals USA common stock, have agreed to vote in favor of the merger. Completion of the merger requires approval by a majority of the shareholders of Metals USA. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9573 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9571/Boy-Scout-Dinner-Planned-for-April-10.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9571 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9571&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9571/Boy-Scout-Dinner-Planned-for-April-10.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 Boy Scout Dinner Planned for April 10 The 2013 Metals Industry Boy Scout Dinner Show will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. In 2012, more than 1,100 people attended and the metals industry raised $550,000 for Scouting. All metal-related market segments, including ferrous, nonferrous, tubing, scrap, machinery manufacturers, metal fabricators, transportation, coil coaters and paint companies, are represented at the annual banquet. The event has become the single-largest metals networking event in the country, and the money raised directs 20,000 Chicago-area boys and girls through Scouting. For more information or to provide a donation, silent auction item or purchase raffle tickets, visit www.chicagobsa.org/metals. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9571 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9558/Manufacturers-Renew-Call-for-Growth-Strategy.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9558 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9558&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9558/Manufacturers-Renew-Call-for-Growth-Strategy.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 Manufacturers Renew Call for Growth Strategy Fourth-quarter U.S. GDP decreased by 0.1 percent, a figure that came as no shock to the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Manufacturers. "Late last year NAM released its Fiscal Shock study, which found that the fiscal cliff would reduce real GDP by 0.6 percent in 2012 from what it would have been without the fiscal cliff debate," NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray says. "We saw manufacturers pulling back on spending and hiring at the end of last year as they worried about slowing sales and fiscal uncertainties. This was confirmed in the latest NAM/IndustryWeek Survey of Manufacturers, which found their overall optimism declined significantly throughout the year." Though the fiscal cliff was averted, concerns remain over sequestration—across-the-board cuts to government spending that have the potential to cost a million jobs by 2014—as well as the toll economic headwinds overseas have taken on U.S. exports. "The reality of this news comes as all Americans are seeing less in their paychecks, and businesses continue to face uncertainty as policymakers kick the can down the road on our debt," Moutray says. "It is frustrating to manufacturers—who continue to call for pro-growth policies that address the true drivers of our spending problems—that policymakers can’t seem to put forth a growth plan." Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9558 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9557/Manufacturing-Activity-Expands-in-January.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9557 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9557&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9557/Manufacturing-Activity-Expands-in-January.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 Manufacturing Activity Expands in January The PMI registered 53.1 percent in January, reflecting an expansion of economic activity in the manufacturing sector for the second consecutive month, according to the latest ISM Report on Business from the Institute for Supply Management, Tempe, Ariz. The January reading was an increase of 2.9 percentage points from December. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 13 reported growth in January, including fabricated metal products, machinery, primary metals and miscellaneous manufacturing. The January PMI indicates growth for the 44th consecutive month in the overall economy. The January PMI corresponds to a 3.4 percent increase in GDP on an annualized basis, says Bradley J. Holcomb, chairman of ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. ISM's New Orders Index registered 53.3 percent, an increase of 3.6 percent over December's seasonally adjusted reading of 49.7 percent, indicating growth in new orders. "Manufacturing is starting out the year on a positive note, with all five of the PMI's component indexes—new orders, production, employment, supplier deliveries and inventories—registering above 50 percent in January," Holcomb says. ISM's Production Index registered 53.6 percent in January, an increase of 1 percentage point compared to December. ISM's Employment Index registered 54 percent in January, 2.1 percentage points higher than the previous month, indicating growth in employment for the 40th consecutive month. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9557 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9556/Red-Metals-Shipments-Dip-in-2012.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9556 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9556&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9556/Red-Metals-Shipments-Dip-in-2012.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 Red Metals Shipments Dip in 2012 Service center shipments of red metals declined slightly in 2012, versus the prior year, following a poor showing in December, reports the Copper and Brass Servicenter Association, Overland Park, Kansas. Total warehouse shipments of 261.5 million pounds were off 1.1 percent from 2011. Alloy shipments were responsible for the year-over-year decline. Alloy shipments of 139.6 million pounds were down 5.4 percent from 2011. In contrast, total copper shipments of 121.9 million pounds were up 4.4 percent from the previous year. December shipments were down considerably in both categories, however. Total copper shipments of 7.9 million pounds during the month were off about 8.4 percent from the previous year, while alloy shipments of 8.7 million pounds declined 11.2 percent from December 2011. December shipments were also down more than 15 percent in both categories compared to November, though in one fewer shipping day. For the year, the biggest shipment gains were made in copper rod, up 8.3 percent from 2011, and the smaller markets of 200 series brass and other alloy plate, both up more than 20 percent. The largest decline was in copper plate, down 16.2 percent compared to 2011. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9556 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9555/World-Steel-Output-Sets-New-Record.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9555 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9555&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9555/World-Steel-Output-Sets-New-Record.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 World Steel Output Sets New Record World crude steel production reached 1.548 billion metric tons for the year 2012, up 1.2 percent compared to 2011, setting a new record for global crude steel production, reports the Brussels-based World Steel Association. The growth came mainly from Asia and North America, while crude steel production in the EU and South America decreased in 2012. Crude steel production in North America last year totaled 121.9 million tons, an increase of 2.5 percent. The U.S. produced 88.6 million tons, 2.5 percent more than in 2011. Annual production for Asia totaled over 1.01 billion tons last year, an increase of 2.6 percent compared to the previous year. The region’s share of world steel production increased slightly to 65.4 percent. China's crude steel production accounted for 716.5 million tons of Asia’s total, an increase of 3.1 percent. China's share of world crude steel production increased to 46.3 percent in 2012. The EU recorded a decrease of 4.7 percent last year, producing 169.4 million tons of crude steel. Annual crude steel production for South America totaled 46.9 million tons, a decrease of 3.0 percent on 2011. The crude steel capacity utilization ratio of the 62 countries declined to 73.2 percent in December, compared to 76.1 percent in November. The average capacity utilization ratio for 2012 was 78.8 percent, down from 80.7 percent in 2011, WSA reports. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9555 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9554/Evraz-to-Expand-Heat-Treat-Threading-Capacity-in-Alberta.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9554 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9554&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9554/Evraz-to-Expand-Heat-Treat-Threading-Capacity-in-Alberta.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 Evraz to Expand Heat-Treat, Threading Capacity in Alberta Chicago-based Evraz North America plans to expand heat-treat and threading capacity at its Calgary, Alberta, tubular facility. The multimillion dollar project includes expanding heat-treat capacity by over 150 percent and threading capacity by about 40 percent. Work is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2014. "The Calgary expansions will allow us to offer a more comprehensive product portfolio to meet growing needs for premium OCTG products," says Tigran Atayan, executive vice president of the Tubular Products Group. "This project, as well as the premium threading line expansion already under way at our Red Deer facility, demonstrates our strong commitment to customers in Western Canada." Evraz tubular facilities manufacture a wide range of oil country tubular goods, including carbon and alloy products and premium connections, as well as small- and large-diameter line pipe. In addition to Red Deer and Calgary, Evraz operates pipe-making facilities in Regina, Saskatchewan; Camrose, Alberta; Portland, Ore.; and Pueblo, Colo. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9554 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9553/Logistics-Firm-Buys-Former-Heidtman-Plant.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9553 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9553&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9553/Logistics-Firm-Buys-Former-Heidtman-Plant.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 Logistics Firm Buys Former Heidtman Plant Heidtman Steel's shuttered facility in Maryland will retain its metals industry ties through the creation of a new transloading and logistics company. MoveTran LLC, Baltimore, will begin operations to provide transloading and logistical services for steel coil, aluminum, pipe, tube and other types of products in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. MoveTran is acquiring the 206,700-square-foot warehouse, which Heidtman closed following the RG Steel bankruptcy and sale of the mill at Sparrows Point. The heated facility offers customers rail and truck access, as well as transport for transatlantic shipments via the Port of Baltimore. "Our location is ideally suited to meet the transloading and warehousing needs of companies serving the massive East Coast steel market," says Damon Gunter, one of the founders and managing partners of MoveTran. "We have acquired a facility that offers the widest range of supply chain/logistics options including rail, truck and offshore shipping. This makes MoveTran a comprehensive facility for the movement and storage of steel coils, pipe and many other the types of products along the East Coast." MoveTran is serviced by two Class 1 railroads, and is located within three miles of Interstate 95. "There is a large number of steel producers either operating in or shipping to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast corridors. Increasingly, they are looking for various modes of transportation, heated storage and 24/7 high-tech security systems, and in many cases the ability to ship just-in-time to their customers. MoveTran meets all of those objectives," says John Crane, the other founder and managing partner. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9553 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9552/New-Metals-Supermarket-Opens-in-Chicago-Area.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9552 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9552&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9552/New-Metals-Supermarket-Opens-in-Chicago-Area.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 New Metals Supermarket Opens in Chicago Area The newest Metal Supermarkets facility has opened in Bolingbrook, Ill., the fourth in the Chicagoland area and fifth in Illinois. Metal Supermarkets Bolingbrook, 999 Remington Blvd., has begun providing suburban businesses and consumers with the small quantity metals that are the franchise’s specialty. "We are excited to further expand the company's footprint in Chicagoland and look forward to working to further develop the Metal Supermarkets brand," says Stephen Schober, president and CEO of the Mississauga, Ont.-based Metals Supermarket. "With so much industry in the southwest suburbs, the Bolingbrook store is in a great position to thrive." Shirin Lakdawala and her husband Sabeer Cherawala will operate the new facility. They have extensive business experience together as hotel operators, though Cherawala also worked in metals distribution for the family business in his native India. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9552 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9551/Castle-Restructuring-to-Close-5-Warehouses.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=9551 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9551&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9551/Castle-Restructuring-to-Close-5-Warehouses.aspx Feb. 6, 2013 Castle Restructuring, to Close 5 Warehouses A.M. Castle & Co., Oak Brook, Ill., plans a major organizational restructuring this year, including the closure of five warehouses, as it seeks to improve efficiencies and profitability. The measures are expected to increase annualized operating profit by $33 million once fully implemented. "This broad, performance-enhancing plan will enable us to better serve our customers by organizing our operations around them and their needs," says Scott Dolan, president and CEO. "Our goals are to simplify how we do business, optimize inventory levels, reduce waste and improve on-time performance, which we expect will help us increase revenue while reducing costs. It is a critical step in improving our operating results, positioning Castle for greater long-term growth and creating increased value for our shareholders." The organizational restructuring will eliminate the current decentralized commercial unit structure. Instead of three independent commercial units that include sales, operations, procurement and other support functions, Castle will centralize the support functions and dedicate three vertical sales teams. As part of the restructuring, the company has appointed four individuals to its new commercial leadership team. Blain Tiffany, formerly president of the company’s Industrial unit, was named to the new position of chief commercial officer, with responsibility for overseeing the vertical sales teams, leveraging best practices across industries and executing the commercial go-to-market strategy for the company as a whole. James Callan was named vice president of sales, Aerospace; Mark Fagert, vice president of sales, Oil and Gas; and Jim Joyce, vice president of sales, Industrial. "We believe that the operating and financial targets we have established are achievable, and we believe that the three end markets we target offer attractive long-term growth potential," Dolan says. "Our entire organization will be focused on implementing this plan." As part of its branch fulfillment network realignment, the company plans to consolidate five warehouses into its existing network of 30 metals segment branches in North America, Europe and Asia. After the closures, Castle will maintain sales offices to continue serving local customers. The company declined to specify which facilities will be closed. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9551