Steel service center Lapham-Hickey partners with Red Bud to enhance production.

At the FMA Annual Conference, supply and demand took a backseat to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak and its effect on the global economy.

On Tuesday, the nation turned its eyes to Texas, and a few other places, as the Democratic party continued its attempt to identify a presidential candidate for the 2020 Election. The steel industry also was in the Lone Star State, but it was for the FMA Annual Meeting in San Antonio, a gathering of executives from throughout the metals supply chain to discuss the topics of the moment.

Times have been pretty good for U.S. producers and distributors of steel plate, but there are worries the conditions may get a little softer in the back half of the year.

While the market should remain strong for galvanized steel, 2019 is not likely to be as profitable for producers.

Lapham-Hickey Steel, Bedford Park, Ill., has ordered a high-speed slitting line from Red Bud Industries, Red Bud, Ill. The new 60-inch by 60,000-pound line will be capable of processing material from .008 inches up to 0.250 inches in thickness.

Lapham-Hickey Steel Corp., Bedford Park, Ill., has acquired the Thompson Companies, including the Thompson Dayton Steel Service Centers.

Lapham-Hickey Steel Corp., Bedford Park, Ill., announced that Brian Hickey will be promoted to president of the company effective Jan. 1. Lapham-Hickey is North America’s 35th-largest service center company with 2016 revenues of $280 million.

The carbon plate market is bouncing back from difficult 2016, but how much won’t be known until Section 232 investigation is complete. The market for steel plate through the first half of 2017 is improved, though uncertainties are keeping it from reaching earlier predictions.

Service centers have seen better prices and stronger shipments so far in 2017, but it may take some time for the healthier business conditions to translate into more capital spending.