http://www.metalcenternews.com RSS feeds for Metal Center News 60 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8012/SMU-to-Host-Steel-Summit.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8012 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8012&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8012/SMU-to-Host-Steel-Summit.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 SMU to Host Steel Summit Steel Market Update will host its third annual Steel Summit Conference on Monday, Oct. 8, at the Embassy Suites O'Hare in Chicago-suburban Rosemont, Ill., a day prior to the opening of METALCON. Attendees of SMU's conference will hear experts’ outlooks for the general economy, as well as industry specific and steel forecasts. Panelists will explore the market’s volatility and challenges faced by mills and service centers as they head into 2013. For more information, click here. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8012 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8011/MidWest-Materials-Co-Founder-Koppelman-Dies.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8011 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8011&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8011/MidWest-Materials-Co-Founder-Koppelman-Dies.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 MidWest Materials Co-Founder Koppelman Dies MidWest Materials chairman and co-founder Joseph Koppelman died Sept. 9 at age 94. Koppelman founded the business as a one-room operation in Cleveland in 1952. In 1970, he consolidated operations in Perry, Ohio, where the company now operates in a 240,000-square-foot facility. It has developed into one of the 100 largest service centers in the United States. Koppelman was one of the earliest members of the Association of Steel Distributors, serving as its president from 1968-1969. He was honored by ASD as its Steel Man of the Year in 1962. Koppelman turned over control of his business to his daughter, Noreen Koppelman Goldstein, in 1995. Today, the business is run by his grandson, Brian Robbins, who became CEO in 2002. A second grandson, Bradley Robbins, returned as a vice president of the company in 2011. “With the passing of Joseph Koppelman, my mother, brother and I have not only lost a father and grandfather, but someone who instilled in us the values that will guide our families and company for generations to come,” said Brian Robbins. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8011 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8010/German-Gauge-Maker-to-Manufacture-in-the-US.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8010 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8010&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8010/German-Gauge-Maker-to-Manufacture-in-the-US.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 German Gauge Maker to Manufacture in the U.S. IMS Measuring Systems Inc. reports that work is progressing well on construction of a $3.5 million, 9,500-square-foot production facility adjacent to its North American headquarters in suburban Pittsburgh. The German company broke ground on the project in February and hopes to begin producing gauges and measuring systems, using mostly American-made components, by first-quarter 2013. This development marks the first time in the company’s 32-year history that IMS will produce gauges outside of Germany. North American ferrous and nonferrous mills, service centers and toll processors will be able to purchase IMS gauges more cost-effectively than ever due to the elimination of exchange rate differences, lower transportation costs and quicker turnaround, say company officials. “The timing on this expansion comes at a favorable time for us,” says John Buckman, general manager of IMS Systems. “As the recession appears to have bottomed out, ferrous and nonferrous mills and service centers are giving serious consideration to capital projects that are well-suited to our measuring systems expertise.” Demand for steel and aluminum sheet that is flat, and stays flat, is on the increase as high-tech cutting equipment, including plasmas, lasers and waterjets, proliferates through the market. “Flatness is a big issue these days,” says IMS Sales Engineer Vince Meneice. Having the ability to precisely measure metal sheet will help processors deliver products with less variation and higher quality. IMS Measuring Systems manufactures x-ray, isotope and optical measuring systems that gauge the length, width, thickness, flatness, coating weight, cross-profile and speed of hot and cold ferrous and nonferrous strip and plate, as well as perform 3-D inspections of flat products. The company is headquartered in Heiligenhaus, Germany. Its North American headquarters are in Mars, Pa. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8010 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8009/American-Processing-Gets-New-Owner-Name.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8009 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8009&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8009/American-Processing-Gets-New-Owner-Name.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 American Processing Gets New Owner, Name The assets of American Processing LLC, Cleveland, have been purchased by a new ownership group. The toll processor will now be known as American Metal Processing Co. LLC. The new company was purchased by Ford Cauffiel, former owner of Cauffiel Corp., Toledo, Ohio, which supplies new and remanufactured processing equipment, and Galaxie Corp., Wayne, Mich., a metalworking machinery dealer. AMPC is a toll processor with capabilities to provide slitting and roller leveling of hot-rolled, hot-rolled pickled and oiled, cold-rolled, galvanized and galvannealed coils from commercial quality through high-strength products. “This is an exciting time for American Metal Processing Co. as we have been able to continue to service existing customers and also pick up new customers while the ownership structure was changing hands,” says Chuck Sheppard, director of operations. The new entity is currently focused on toll processing work and catering to the Cleveland market with interest in expanding sales throughout the United States. The company can process both light and heavy gauge in various grades and strengths. “The new ownership team has provided us with a great opportunity to continue to service and grow our business. We have seen orders increase two-fold since the transition and look forward to working with our existing and new customers to better service their toll processing needs,” says Sheppard. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8009 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8008/IMS-Opens-Retail-Metal-Store-in-Tucson.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8008 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8008&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8008/IMS-Opens-Retail-Metal-Store-in-Tucson.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 IMS Opens Retail Metal Store in Tucson Industrial Metal Supply Co., a southwestern distributor, will open its sixth retail store by the end of the month. The store will offer a variety of metals and sizes to industrial customers. The new store is located at 3757 E. Columbia St. in Tucson, Ariz., near the intersection of Ajo Parkway and Alvernon Way in the Butterfield Business Center. The fully stocked store will serve the large number of Tucson and Nogales businesses that utilize metal, as well as metal hobbyists including off-roaders, artists and do-it-yourselfers. “Our Phoenix branch has been delivering to customers in Tucson for many years,” says Eric Steinhauer, the company’s president. “This facility will enable us to give those customers even faster service and quality materials needed to give them the competitive edge in their markets.” The IMS stores stock thousands of metal products and accessories, and orders can be cut to size for same day pickup. The company’s services include precision nonferrous sawing, production cutting, and shearing, as well as laser and plasma cutting. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8008 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8007/Leeco-Expanding-in-Fort-Worth.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8007 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8007&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8007/Leeco-Expanding-in-Fort-Worth.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 Leeco Expanding in Fort Worth Leeco Steel, Lisle, Ill., has broken ground on an expansion of its operations in Texas. The supplier of carbon, HSLA, heat-treated and alloy plate will build a 73,000-square-foot facility in Cleburne, Texas, approximately 30 miles south of Fort Worth. The rail-served facility will have the capacity to store 15,000 tons and ship more than 100,000 tons per year. It features two storage bays, each 110 by 320 feet, with four 30-ton overhead cranes capable of handling 60-foot-long plate. Leeco’s cutting equipment includes a 20-foot by 60-foot oxyfuel table capable of cutting plate up to 10 inches thick, and a combination oxyfuel and plasma table capable of cutting 1.5-inch plate with plasma and up to 10 inches with oxyfuel. “We have customers across North America depending on Leeco Steel’s dedication to having the steel plate they need whenever they need it,” says Denton Nordhues, president and CEO of Leeco Steel, a member of O’Neal Industries. “Our capacity expansion in Fort Worth ensures we can provide more complete and cost-effective supply chain solutions for existing and new customers. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2013. The new operation doubles Leeco’s presence in the South. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8007 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8006/Russel-Faces-Strike-at-Quebec-Facility.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8006 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8006&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8006/Russel-Faces-Strike-at-Quebec-Facility.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 Russel Faces Strike at Quebec Facility Employees at Russel Metals’ Acier Leroux plant in Boucherville, Quebec, walked off the job Sept. 11. Russel officials say they were in discussions with the Quebec Ministry of Labour and the Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux when the union opted to strike. "The decision by the union to strike before the company had even tabled the offer on wages reinforces the confrontational approach taken throughout our negotiations. Our employees and their families will unfortunately be impacted by this decision. We will take all avenues open to us to provide continued service to the customers of our Boucherville facility," says Brian R. Hedges, Russel president and CEO. "Boucherville is our main hub in Quebec. However, we will service most of our customers from our numerous locations in Quebec and elsewhere. Our Quebec team will take actions as needed to minimize the negative impact on our earnings," says Marion E. Britton, Russel’s vice president and CFO. Britton says Russel expects to meet with union leaders both this week and next week to try to resolve some of the issues dividing the two parties. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8006 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8005/Steelmakers-Reach-Tentative-Labor-Pacts.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8005 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8005&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8005/Steelmakers-Reach-Tentative-Labor-Pacts.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 Steelmakers Reach Tentative Labor Pacts ArcelorMittal USA and U.S. Steel Corp. have both reached new agreements with unionized labor, relieving the market of fears that strikes could disrupt the supply chain. ArcelorMittal and the United Steelworkers reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The USW represents nearly 14,000 workers at 15 of the company’s U.S. locations. The USW and U.S. Steel Corp. recently reached a similar three-year agreement earlier this month covering approximately 16,000 employees at U.S. Steel’s domestic flat-rolled and iron ore mining facilities, as well as tubular operations in Lorain, Ohio, and Fairfield, Ala. Both deals await ratification by union members. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8005 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8004/Service-Center-Steel-Shipments-Decline-in-August.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8004 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8004&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8004/Service-Center-Steel-Shipments-Decline-in-August.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 Service Center Steel Shipments Decline in August August shipments of steel and aluminum slowed in the United States compared to the same month in 2011, according to the latest Metals Activity Report from the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill. For the third straight month, only Canadian aluminum shipments showed year-over-year gains. Despite the slower shipments, inventory to shipment ratios improved compared to July 2012 for both metals in both countries. U.S. service centers shipped 3.7 million tons of steel in the August, a decrease of 1.0 percent compared to the previous year. Year-to-date steel shipments totaled 29.0 million tons, an increase of 4.9 percent from 2011. Steel product inventories were 9.0 million tons at the end of August, an increase of 5.8 percent over the same month last year and an increase of 0.2 percent from July. At August shipping rates, this represented 2.5 months supply in inventory, an increase of 6.9 percent from a year ago. U.S. distributors shipped 134,100 tons of aluminum products in August, a decrease of 1.3 percent from the same month in 2011. For the year to date, aluminum shipments totaled 1.0 million tons, an increase of 3.1 percent from last year. Inventories of aluminum products were 380,700 tons at the end of August, an increase of 5.5 percent over August 2011 but a decrease of 1.8 percent from the previous month. At August shipping rates, this represented 2.8 months supply in inventory, an increase of 7.0 percent from a year ago. Canadian service centers shipped 513,400 tons of steel in August, a decrease of 5.1 percent from the same month last year. Year-to-date steel shipments were 4.3 million tons, an increase of 0.9 percent from the same period in 2011. Steel product inventories were 1.6 million tons at the end of August, a decrease of 0.3 percent from the same month last year but a decrease of 0.8 percent from July. At August shipping rates, this represented 3.2 months supply in inventory, an increase of 5.1 percent from a year ago. Canadian distributors shipped 13,400 tons of aluminum in August, an increase of 5.4 percent from the same month in 2011. For the year to date, shipments totaled 109,200 tons, an increase of 11.5 percent from last year. Inventories of aluminum products were 39,200 tons at the end of August, an increase of 14.4 percent from last year and an increase of 0.5 percent from July. At August shipping rates, this represented 2.9 months supply in inventory, an increase of 8.6 percent from 2011. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8004 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8002/PwC-Seven-Factors-to-Influence-Reshoring.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=8002 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8002&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8002/PwC-Seven-Factors-to-Influence-Reshoring.aspx Sept. 19, 2012 PwC: Seven Factors to Influence Reshoring Manufacturers’ fixation on low-wage workers drove many companies to relocate overseas, but it will take more than just equalizing labor costs in China and other developing countries to lure them back to the United States. Nevertheless, there are compelling reasons for U.S. companies to consider reshoring, say analysts at PwC US in their new report, “A Homecoming for U.S. Manufacturing.” “The reviving industrial manufacturing sector is instrumental to U.S. economic recovery,” said Bob McCutcheon, PwC’s U.S. Industrial Products leader. “Beyond the cyclical rebound, however, many structural changes are emerging that may lead to the U.S. becoming an important location for basing production and R&D facilities.” PwC's report notes that localizing production can mitigate supply chain disruptions, which cost U.S. industrial companies $2.2 billion in 2011. Companies contemplating the reshoring of production facilities back to the U.S. must consider the following seven factors, PwC says: Transportation and Energy Costs: The bull market in energy commodities over the last decade has contributed to a major increase in transportation costs for manufacturers with global supply chains. Given growing global demand for energy, transportation costs will likely remain elevated, making production closer to home more attractive. Exchange Rates: Though the numbers can fluctuate, the U.S. dollar generally has depreciated during the past decade, narrowing the cost gap between producing in the U.S. and most foreign locations, including China. Moreover, the yuan is more likely to continue to appreciate in the future. U.S. Demand: Though China and other developing countries will grow faster than established economies, the wealth disparity between the U.S. and these emerging nations will continue to allow for the U.S. to drive demand for most manufactured goods. The difference in the relative standard of living coupled with the size of the U.S. market, compared to other Western nations, supports investment in new domestic production of goods targeted for U.S. consumption. U.S. Talent: While the gap is narrowing, the level of education and training in the United States outranks what is found in developing countries. Institutional advantages in education and experience may allow the U.S. workforce to retain an edge over its foreign peers. Availability of Capital: Although commercial and industrial lending demand has recovered and credit standards have come back down from levels reached during the financial crisis, banks have resumed tightening credit. In addition, there is evidence that borrowing in China has become more difficult due to increased capital requirements for banks and tighter lending for exporters. The balance of risks favors some continued credit tightening in several key economies to stave off inflation. As a result, manufacturers may shy away from longer supply chains and the risks they carry, including inventory tied up in transit. Tax and Regulatory Climate: The U.S. now has the highest statutory corporate tax rate among developed countries. While U.S. corporations tend to have a much lower effective tax rate, this and other factors have spurred talk of tax reform to boost economic growth and employment. Until then, the tax and regulatory environments bring uncertainty to the current expansion of domestic manufacturing. U.S. Labor Costs: Higher labor costs in emerging economies, especially China, are challenging profitability for some industrial manufacturers. This concern may not ease as the government’s policies and the rising cost of living in urban areas add to wage pressures in China. From 2008 to 2011, China’s hourly manufacturing labor costs rose by over 80 percent and are expected to rise at a similar rate for the next four years. This compares with the estimated increase of around 10 percent for the U.S. over the same time period. However, the cost premium, based upon the difference in absolute wages between the U.S. and China, has continued to expand, making it possible that labor arbitrage involving China and other low labor cost emerging markets will persist, the report concludes. “Industrial manufacturers may increasingly rethink their U.S. strategies, including the merits of continuing to separate production and R&D, and producing abroad and importing back to U.S. buyers. Depending on the industry, there may be considerable benefits to establishing regionalized supply chains and R&D facilities in the U.S., such as reducing costs, shortening lead times, protecting intellectual property and mitigating many of the risk factors inherent in developing markets,” says McCutcheon. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8002 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7843/Bushwick-Acquires-New-York-Service-Center-Fab-Shop.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7843 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7843&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7843/Bushwick-Acquires-New-York-Service-Center-Fab-Shop.aspx Sept. 5, 2012 Bushwick Acquires New York Service Center, Fab Shop Bushwick Metals, Bridgeport, Conn., has acquired service center Tarco Steel Inc. and fabrication shop Metal Fab LLC, both located in Binghamton, N.Y. The companies will be known as Tarco Steel, a division of Bushwick Metals LLC. Tarco Steel was founded in 1970 and serves the energy, manufacturing, steel fabrication, construction and maintenance industries in Central New York and Northeast Pennsylvania. Main product offerings include carbon and stainless steel, steel long products, sheet, plate, and fabricated and straight rebar. "Expanding into Central New York will accelerate Bushwick Metals' growth in this region through increased service and more robust inventory levels," says Stewart Lichtman, Bushwick Metals commercial vice president. Lichtman will oversee the Tarco Steel operation. Former owner Janet Beal will serve as the branch manager. Tarco Steel and Metal Fab also provide a wide variety of value-added services for their customers, including cutting, machining and light fabrication. The facility includes 1,200 square feet of office space, two warehouse buildings with a total of 47,000 square feet and five overhead cranes, plus 50,000 square feet of outdoor storage. The companies serve the Binghamton area and employ about 35 people. "This acquisition also allows us to offer additional value-added services and rebar fabrication to our customers in other geographic regions," Lichtman says. Plans include installing additional processing equipment to increase Tarco Steel's capacity and service its growing industrial base. Bushwick Metals is a distributor of carbon steel, high-strength low-alloy steel, stainless steel, and specialty products. Bushwick Metals is an affiliate of Marmon/Keystone. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7843 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7842/Manufacturing-Contracts-for-Third-Straight-Month.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7842 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7842&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7842/Manufacturing-Contracts-for-Third-Straight-Month.aspx Sept. 5, 2012 Manufacturing Contracts for Third Straight Month The manufacturing sector contracted for the third straight month in August, registering a PMI of 49.6 percent, according to the latest purchasing managers survey by the Institute for Supply Management, Tempe, Ariz. The PMI decreased 0.2 percent from July to its lowest reading since July 2009. ISM’s New Orders Index registered 47.1 percent, a decrease of 0.9 percent from July, indicating contraction in new orders for the third consecutive month. The Production Index registered 47.2 percent, a decrease of 4.1 percentage points from the previous month, indicating contraction in production for the first time since May 2009. August saw growth in the overall economy for the 39th straight month, however, ISM reports. “The past relationship between the PMI and the overall economy indicates that the average PMI for January through August corresponds to a 3.2 percent increase in real gross domestic product. In addition, if the PMI for August is annualized, it corresponds to a 2.4 percent increase in real GDP,” says Bradley Holcomb, chairman of the Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. Of the 18 manufacturing industries surveyed, eight reported growth in August, including primary metals and miscellaneous manufacturing. Eight others reported contraction in August, including fabricated metal products and machinery. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7842 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7840/Fuel-Economy-Standards-to-Double-by-2025.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7840 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7840&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7840/Fuel-Economy-Standards-to-Double-by-2025.aspx Sept. 5, 2012 Fuel Economy Standards to Double by 2025 The Obama administration has released its final ruling on fuel efficiency standards for American automobiles and light trucks through 2025. The new regulations require automobiles to get up to 54.5 miles per gallon by the target date, almost double the miles per gallon required under the current standards. These new regulations will undoubtedly reignite the battle for market share between the manufacturers of steel and aluminum. The move toward vehicle lightweighting has allowed aluminum to grow its share of automobile production annually. Steel has responded with the development of lighter high-strength steels to protect its position as the dominant material. “The most recent set of regulations provides aggressive goals that will stretch technology to meet these tough new standards and demand long-term commitment from automotive manufacturers and their suppliers,” says Lawrence K. Kavanagh, president of the Steel Market Development Institute. “The steel industry has continually invested in new technologies for future-generation steels and has developed new advanced steel grades that enable car companies to reduce mass, improve fuel economy, reduce total emissions and continue to provide affordable safe vehicles.” SMDI’s FutureSteelVehicle program is the most recent addition to the global steel industry’s series of lightweighting initiatives, offering steel solutions to automakers around the world. The program developed steel body structure designs that reduce mass by more than 35 percent and total life cycle emissions by nearly 70 percent, while still meeting a broad list of global crash and durability requirements, the group claims. SMDI is a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute. The Aluminum Association has a similar group, Aluminum in Automotive, promoting greater use of that lightweight material in production of automobiles, light trucks and commercial vehicles. Aluminum usage currently represents about 8.6 percent of the curb weight in North American vehicles. Various studies project aluminum’s growth will eventually reach 400 pounds per vehicle, doubling its percentage. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7840 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7838/Platinum-Equity-Purchases-Stake-in-AM-Castle.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7838 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7838&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7838/Platinum-Equity-Purchases-Stake-in-AM-Castle.aspx Sept. 5, 2012 Platinum Equity Purchases Stake in A.M. Castle The Platinum Equity investment group, which owns Ryerson Inc., has purchased a 6.05 percent stake in A.M. Castle & Co., according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Aug. 20. Ryerson is the nation’s No. 2 service center company and A.M. Castle is No. 14 in the latest Metal Center News Service Center Top 50. Published reports speculate that the purchase could be the initial step in a merger between the two service center giants. Ryerson had sales of $4.7 billion last year and Castle revenues of $1.1 billion. Castle’s stock price jumped 27 percent on news of Platinum’s investment. Both companies declined calls for comment from Metal Center News. A.M. Castle is still searching for a new chief executive officer to replace Michael H. Goldberg, who left the company in May. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7838 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7837/Carpenter-Selling-Distribution-Business.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7837 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7837&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7837/Carpenter-Selling-Distribution-Business.aspx Sept. 5, 2012 Carpenter Selling Distribution Business Carpenter Technology Corp., Wyomissing, Pa., will pare down its distribution holdings with the sale of its Latrobe Specialty Steel Distribution subsidiary and its Mexican network, Aceros Fortuna. Carpenter, which also operates South Carolina’s Talley Metals, is a major producer and distributor of specialty metals. The sale of the distribution businesses reflects Carpenter’s continued focus on growing its high-value specialty alloy manufacturing, titanium processing and precision engineered businesses, officials say. “LSSD and Aceros Fortuna are well managed, strong, profitable businesses with good employees and solid growth prospects; however, distribution of tool and alloy steel products is not part of our core focus of manufacturing and selling specialty materials for the aerospace, energy and other high-growth markets,” says William A. Wulfsohn, president and CEO of Carpenter Technology. Carpenter expects proceeds from a sale to be reinvested in the company’s premium product businesses. Carpenter will continue to service sales of its special alloy products in Mexico and South America through the retention of selected warehouses and employees. Carpenter acquired LSSD as part of its 2012 acquisition of Latrobe Specialty Steel. LSSD provides a broad range of quality steels and value-added services to customers in North America from six distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada. LSSD recorded sales of $113 million in the 2012 fiscal year. Aceros Fortuna distributes alloyed, stainless and tool steels, specialty alloys and industrial products in Mexico and Brazil and generated sales of $42 million in the 2012 fiscal year. The company has eight distribution and sales offices across Mexico. Carpenter acquired the 40-year-old company in 1994. About 25 of Aceros Fortuna’s 275 employees support the specialty alloy market and will remain with Carpenter. In other news, Carpenter has decided to consolidate its specialty wire production in Wauseon, Ohio. It will relocate its Carpenter Specialty Wire Products business from its facility in Orangeburg, S.C., to Wauseon, which it acquired as part of its acquisition of Latrobe Specialty Metals earlier in 2012. The consolidation is expected to reduce operating costs. The Wauseon plant, which is used to manufacture precision stainless steel wire and other highly engineered steel wires, recently underwent a $3 million expansion highlighted by the addition of technologically advanced hydrogen atmosphere furnaces. The transition will take place over the next 12 to 15 months, at which time the Orangeburg facility will be closed. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7837 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7836/Russel-to-Acquire-Oilfield-Company-Apex-Distribution.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7836 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7836&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7836/Russel-to-Acquire-Oilfield-Company-Apex-Distribution.aspx Sept. 5, 2012 Russel to Acquire Oilfield Company Apex Distribution Russel Metals Inc. has agreed to purchase Apex Distribution, a Canadian oilfield supply company. Russel has until Oct. 31 to close the deal for the Edmonton, Alberta-based company. Apex Distribution services the energy segment in Western Canada. It had annual revenues of approximately $500 million in its most recent fiscal year. It employs 473 people at 58 branches in Canada and the United States. "Apex Distribution is the largest Canadian-owned oilfield supply company in Western Canada. The addition of Apex Distribution would complement our existing energy tubular products segment and would provide a new channel of distribution into the Western Canadian oil and gas industry, along with immediate growth opportunities in the U.S. market through Apex Remington, a start-up operation in the U.S.,” says Brian Hedges, president and CEO of Russel Metals. Apex Distribution will complement Russel’s existing Alberta-based energy operations Comco Pipe and Supply, Fedmet Tubulars and Triumph Tubular & Supply, as well as U.S.-based companies Pioneer Pipe and Spartan Energy Tubulars. “This is the most exciting opportunity we have seen for our shareholders since our acquisitions of JMS Russel Metals in 2007 and Leroux Steel in 2003. We believe that Apex Distribution's entrepreneurial culture would be an excellent fit with our culture,” Hedges says. Apex Distribution will continue to operate as a standalone unit, led by Don White, its current president and CEO. “We are excited about our opportunity to contribute to the Russel Metals group of companies. Our combination accomplishes our shareholders' objectives, while offering our employees and stakeholders advantageous future opportunities available through the strength and diversity of one of the largest metals distribution companies in North America," White says. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7836 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7834/US-Steel-USW-Reach-Tentative-Agreement.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7834 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7834&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7834/US-Steel-USW-Reach-Tentative-Agreement.aspx Sept. 5, 2012 U.S. Steel, USW Reach Tentative Agreement U.S. Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, and representatives of the United Steelworkers have reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract covering more than 16,000 workers at U.S. Steel’s flat-rolled and iron ore mining operations, plus tubular operations in Lorain, Ohio, and Fairfield, Ala. The union and the steelmaker had been negotiating since June for a new collective bargaining agreement. The previous contract expired on Saturday. Members will vote on the agreement after they review the details over the next few weeks. "Throughout the summer, USW members worked tirelessly to achieve an agreement that we believe is fair to both sides," says USW International President Leo W. Gerard. "We are proud of the work we have done to ensure a stable future for our members, our retirees and the company." "We are pleased that a tentative agreement was reached with the United Steelworkers on a competitive three-year contract. We believe that this agreement is in the best interests of our company, our employees and all of our stakeholders,” says U.S. Steel Chairman and CEO John P. Surma. Additionally, U.S. Steel’s Tubular Products subsidiary reached a 3-year agreement with the Steelworkers on a deal covering its Texas Operations Division, a welded tubular products facility in Lone Star, Texas. The tentative agreement covers approximately 1,000 USW-represented employees, and remains subject to ratification by the union. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7834