The metals supply chain followed up the pandemic-dominated 2020 with a 12-month span that was even more unpredictable. Low stock levels were the rules for most metals warehouses.

The flat-roll industry is experiencing strong demand despite high steel prices, but new capacity may be a game changer.

On August 31 in Oak Lawn, Ill., Red Bud Industries hosted a seminar titled Coil Processing Technology, Techniques & Tips for Improving Productivity. This well-attended event featured industry experts covering a wide range of coil processing topics.

Lapham-Hickey Steel Corp. has acquired Rebel Steel. Founded in 1981 in Nashville, Tenn., Rebel Steel is a service center specializing in slitting of cold-rolled and coated steels.

Red Bud Industries will conduct a one-day seminar: Coil Processing Technology, Techniques & Tips for Improving Productivity. The seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 31, at the Hilton Chicago in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

Richard Marabito was elected board chairman for the Metals Service Center Institute during the trade group’s virtual annual meeting. Marabito, the CEO of Cleveland-based Olympic Steel, replaces outgoing chairman Eddie Lehner, president and CEO of Ryerson, Chicago.

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.