Union Partners is continuing to build its service center holdings, making one of its largest acquisitions with the purchase of
Contractors Steel. The Livonia, Mich.-based service center company maintains more than 100,000 tons of carbon and structural plate, beams, pipe, tube, angles and channels.
The company has more than 2.1 million square feet of indoor and outdoor storage space at five Midwestern locations. In addition to its headquarters location in Livonia, Contractors Steel operates facilities in Wyoming and Van Buren, Mich., Twinsburg, Ohio; and Hammond, Ind.
The company was founded in 1960 by Don Simon, the Metal Center News’ 2015 Metal Service Center Executive of the Year. Simon has operated the company for nearly 60 years.
“Contractors Steel is a company where entrepreneurialism and family values took hold decades ago – a model we are replicating with Union Partners. We are honored to welcome Contractors to the family and humbled that Don Simon, who is greatly admired in the industry, has chosen us to carry on his legacy,” said Chris Hutter and Paul Douglass, co-founders of Union Partners.
“I am extremely grateful to have been able to serve the steel industry for as long as I have,” said Simon. “Throughout my 60 years in the industry, I have seen a lot of changes occur and rather than shy away, my team and I embraced these shifts as opportunities to grow the business. I see that same mindset in Union Partners and believe in their determination and ability to breathe new life into the steel service center industry. I could not be happier that the legacy of Contractors, and the fantastic workforce that supports it, will continue to thrive under Union Partners’ strong vision and stewardship.”
Upon completion of the acquisition, Marc Bokas will succeed Simon as CEO of Contractors Steel. “We have had the opportunity to work with Marc Bokas during the acquisition process and are pleased to announce that he will succeed Mr. Simon as CEO of Contractors Steel. Marc has demonstrated the passion, drive and knowledge of Contractors and we look forward to growing the legacy of the company with him,” Hutter and Douglass said.
Contractors also has a full range of processing capabilities including laser cutting, drilling, tapping, machining, cambering, grinding, saw cutting, shearing/press breaking, plate and structural rolling, plate processing and plate burning. The company also maintains a fleet of more than 90 trucks.
“Union Partners’ acquisition of Contractors Steel Company opens a whole new range of opportunities for our employees and customers. Their innovative, professional and forward-looking approach to business and innovation will drive us to enhance our performance in all ways and to become a top employer and supplier in our industry,” Bokas said.