Our History
Reliance, Inc. started in 1939 as Reliance Steel Products Co., a distributor of steel reinforcing bar in Los Angeles, California. Within ten years, we had become a full-line distributor of steel and aluminum. The postwar industrial boom in the United States, coupled with visionary leadership, allowed us to pursue a decades-long course of expansion through internal growth and acquisition. This paved the way for our IPO in 1994. Since then, Reliance has completed more than 72 acquisitions and evolved into a Family of Companies with a global footprint including 320 locations in 41 states and 10 countries outside of the United States. Today, Reliance is a leading diversified metal solutions provider, offering value-added metals processing services and distributing over 100,000 metal products to more than 125,000 customers in a broad range of industries. As we move forward, we intend to expand the reputation we’ve built for integrity, honesty, and reliability. Our achievements thus far empower us to continue delivering enduring, industry-leading results responsibly and profitably.
Thomas Neilan establishes Reliance Steel Products Company, a distributor of steel reinforcing bar, on February 3, 1939, in Los Angeles, California.
Reliance subleases 6,600 square feet of warehouse space from Allied Supply Company on 37th Street in the city of Vernon, just outside Downtown Los Angeles.
In 1944, the company name is changed to Reliance Steel Co.
In 1947, Thomas Neilan offers to fund his nephew's graduate studies at Harvard if he will work at Reliance for a year. William Gimbel accepts and joins Reliance as Warehouseman. Little does he know he will never go back to school. Reliance records $1.2M in revenue.
Reliance’s product offering in 1948 expands to include aluminum. The following year, Reliance becomes the nation's first distributor of magnesium.
Reliance makes its first acquisition in 1952: Carthage Steel Strip, in South Gate, California. The addition of precision cutting equipment, at the time a very new technology, greatly expands business capabilities.
By 1952, sales have reached $4M and 7 acres have been purchased on 26th Street in Vernon, CA, to accommodate the company’s growth during the postwar manufacturing boom. Building begins on what will become Reliance’s flagship warehouse and company headquarters.
In 1956, the company is renamed for a second time to reflect its expanding product lines: Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.
After moving from Warehouseman to Manager to Vice President, William Gimbel succeeds as President upon the death of his uncle, Reliance founder Thomas Neilan, in 1957.
In 1962, Bill Gimbel commissions the manufacture and installation of a semi-automatic rack storage system to house metal sheet and coil in unused vertical warehouse space. These “pigeon holes” vastly improve storage and operations, and establish Reliance as an innovator in metals handling.
Following Effron Steel Co. in 1960 and Westates Steel Co. in 1962, Drake Steel is acquired in 1963. Drake's Fresno Sales Manager, Joe Crider, begins a long and successful career with the company. Reliance now boasts five locations: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Santa Clara, San Diego, and Fresno.
In 1966, Reliance and some of our vendors hold “Metal-Rama” to give shareholders and customers a behind-the-scenes look at its state-of-the-art steel processing facility. It is a hugely successful event.
Joe Crider is made Executive Vice President in 1975. During the next 12 years, Bill Gimbel and Joe Crider are called “perhaps the best known management team in the service center industry” by Metal Center News.
Reliance makes a first step towards entering the specialty metals market establishing Tube Service Co. in 1975-6. Its success leads to a second location opening in Milpitas, California, three years later.
Bralco Metals in Pico Rivera, California is acquired in 1977. Bralco is a major west coast distributor of aluminum, brass and copper sheet, bar and rod products.
In another move towards specialty metals service centers, Reliance MetalCenter, Inc. (now MetalCenter) is established in 1980, housing all nonferrous operations in Southern California.
In 1987, William Gimbel becomes Chairman (in addition to Chief Executive Officer); Joe Crider is promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer.
When Valex is added to the family roster in 1986, Reliance gains entry to the semiconductor industry.
In 1987, William Gimbel becomes Chairman (in addition to Chief Executive Officer); Joe Crider is promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer.
By 1989, Reliance's 50th anniversary, sales top $350M, and the company remains poised for continued growth.
After turning around the faltering Santa Clara division, Gregg Mollins joins the corporate management team as Vice President in 1992. In 1995, Dave Hannah is promoted to President and Gregg to Chief Operating Officer.
On September 16, 1994, Reliance issues 3.5 million new shares in its IPO, raising $45.9M and making Reliance a publicly-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RS.”
William Gimbel, pictured here with his wife, Georgina and Joe Crider, at the New York Stock Exchange when Reliance completes its IPO. Gimbel retires later in 1994 but remains Chairman of the Board until 1997 (and Chair Emeritus until his passing in 1998).
In 1996 Reliance acquires Siskin Steel & Supply Co., headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is one of the oldest companies in the industry and an "integral part of our strategy to become a national company with operations extending beyond the Western half of the United States," according to David Hannah.
With the additions of AMI Metals, Inc. and Service Steel Aerospace Corp. in 1997, Reliance enters the aerospace industry. With sales at $654M, Reliance logs its 6th consecutive year of record sales.
In 1999, Joe Crider retires as Chief Executive Officer, succeeded by Dave Hannah, who also remains President until Gregg Mollins becomes President & Chief Operating Officer in 2001. Also in 1999, Karla Lewis (then McDowell) is appointed Chief Financial Officer.
In 2001, Reliance corporate headquarters moves from industrial Vernon to downtown Los Angeles' Bunker Hill financial district.
Reliance expands into toll processing through the acquisition of Precision Strip, Inc. and, its subsidiary, Precision Strip Transport, Inc. in 2003.
In 2005, Reliance is named “Acquirer of Choice” by MSCI's Forward magazine.
In 2006, Reliance acquires its longtime and well respected competitor, Earle M. Jorgensen Company. The addition of EMJ's numerous facilities expands Reliance's presence across the United States and Canada. The deal marks Reliance's first acquisition of a public company and is partially funded using Reliance stock.
In August 2008, Reliance acquires the PNA Group of 23 service centers and seven joint ventures. This acquisition adds Delta Steel, LP, Feralloy Corporation, Infra-Metals Co., Metals Supply Company, Ltd., Precision Flamecutting and Steel, LP and Sugar Steel to Reliance's family of companies.
Reliance executive officers ring the closing bell at the NYSE in 2009 to mark the 15th anniversary of the company's IPO.
In April 2012, Reliance acquired National Specialty Alloys, Inc. (NSA), a global specialty alloy processor and distributor of premium stainless steel and nickel alloy bars and shapes, headquartered in Houston, Texas.
In 2014 Reliance celebrated our 75th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of our IPO. We unveiled a new logo in commemoration of these dual milestones.
In 2013 and 2014, Reliance acquired Haskins Steel. Co., Inc., All Metal Services, Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co., and Fox Metals. The companies expand Reliance’s footprint deeper in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and internationally especially in the aerospace and energy sectors.
Reliance added four companies to the Family in 2016 and 2017: Tubular Steel, Inc., which distributes and processes tubing and bar products; Best Manufacturing, Inc., who provides custom precision metal fabrication; Alaska Steel Co., which brought our presence to 40 U.S. states; and Ferguson Perforating, which specializes in highly engineered and complex perforated metals.
Reliance establishes Reliance Cares. The purpose of this employee assistance fund is to support members of our Family of Companies who are impacted by federal natural disasters.
Acquisitions made in 2018 include DuBose National Energy Services, Inc., KMS Fab LLC, and All Metals Processing and Logistics, which all provide value added services in industries such as nuclear, automotive, and construction. In 2018, Reliance also achieved record net sales of $11.8 billion, record pre-tax income of $850.6 million, a record annual gross profit of $3.3 billion, and record non-GAAP EPA of $8.94.
In 2019, Reliance commemorated its 80th anniversary and celebrated 25 years on the New York Stock Exchange. The company also achieved a record stock close of $122.17. We closed out the year with the acquisition of Fry Steel.
With an eye on the future and focus on innovation, Reliance launches its first e-commerce business, FastMetals, Inc. in February 2020. FastMetals ships nationwide and has direct access to Reliance’s vast network of metals service center locations, which carry over 100,000 products.
In October 2021, Reliance completes acquisition of Merfish United, a leading master distributor of tubular building products to the commercial, residential, municipal and industrial building markets. This acquisition broadens our focus on adjacent business opportunities beyond traditional metals service centers. The company changed its name to United Pipe and Steel Corp. in February 2023.
Reliance acquires Rotax Metals, Inc., Admiral Metals Servicenter Company, Inc., and Nu-Tech Precision Metals, Inc. in December 2021. These acquisitions expand our offerings in specialty metals including copper, bronze, and brass alloys; specialty non-ferrous metal products; and specialty extruded metals, fabricated parts, and welded components, respectively.
Executive leadership succession: Karla Lewis succeeds Jim Hoffman as Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2023.
Reliance donates $1 Million to Ronald McDonald House Charities® in March 2023 to kick off the expansion of its “Reliance Cares” corporate social responsibility program.
In May 2023, Reliance acquires Southern Steel Supply, LLC
The Reliance Cares Impact Hub platform launches in November 2023, enabling employees to donate to the causes of their choice with an annual company match. Over six weeks, an astounding 83.3% of employees across our Family of Companies donated over $680,000 to more than 3,600 nonprofits across the United States.
In February 2024, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. celebrates its 85th anniversary. The company announces a name change to “Reliance, Inc.” and a new logo.
In April 2024, Reliance acquired American Alloy Steel, Inc., a prominent distributor specializing in carbon and alloy steel plate and round bar, headquartered in Houston, Texas, along with Mid-West Materials, Inc., a top-tier flat-rolled steel service center based in Perry, Ohio, serving primarily North American OEMs.
Thomas Neilan establishes Reliance Steel Products Company, a distributor of steel reinforcing bar, on February 3, 1939, in Los Angeles, California.
Reliance subleases 6,600 square feet of warehouse space from Allied Supply Company on 37th Street in the city of Vernon, just outside Downtown Los Angeles.
In 1944, the company name is changed to Reliance Steel Co.
In 1947, Thomas Neilan offers to fund his nephew's graduate studies at Harvard if he will work at Reliance for a year. William Gimbel accepts and joins Reliance as Warehouseman. Little does he know he will never go back to school. Reliance records $1.2M in revenue.
Reliance’s product offering in 1948 expands to include aluminum. The following year, Reliance becomes the nation's first distributor of magnesium.
Reliance makes its first acquisition in 1952: Carthage Steel Strip, in South Gate, California. The addition of precision cutting equipment, at the time a very new technology, greatly expands business capabilities.
By 1952, sales have reached $4M and 7 acres have been purchased on 26th Street in Vernon, CA, to accommodate the company’s growth during the postwar manufacturing boom. Building begins on what will become Reliance’s flagship warehouse and company headquarters.
In 1956, the company is renamed for a second time to reflect its expanding product lines: Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.
After moving from Warehouseman to Manager to Vice President, William Gimbel succeeds as President upon the death of his uncle, Reliance founder Thomas Neilan, in 1957.
In 1962, Bill Gimbel commissions the manufacture and installation of a semi-automatic rack storage system to house metal sheet and coil in unused vertical warehouse space. These “pigeon holes” vastly improve storage and operations, and establish Reliance as an innovator in metals handling.
Following Effron Steel Co. in 1960 and Westates Steel Co. in 1962, Drake Steel is acquired in 1963. Drake's Fresno Sales Manager, Joe Crider, begins a long and successful career with the company. Reliance now boasts five locations: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Santa Clara, San Diego, and Fresno.
In 1966, Reliance and some of our vendors hold “Metal-Rama” to give shareholders and customers a behind-the-scenes look at its state-of-the-art steel processing facility. It is a hugely successful event.
Joe Crider is made Executive Vice President in 1975. During the next 12 years, Bill Gimbel and Joe Crider are called “perhaps the best known management team in the service center industry” by Metal Center News.
Reliance makes a first step towards entering the specialty metals market establishing Tube Service Co. in 1975-6. Its success leads to a second location opening in Milpitas, California, three years later.
Bralco Metals in Pico Rivera, California is acquired in 1977. Bralco is a major west coast distributor of aluminum, brass and copper sheet, bar and rod products.
In another move towards specialty metals service centers, Reliance MetalCenter, Inc. (now MetalCenter) is established in 1980, housing all nonferrous operations in Southern California.
In 1987, William Gimbel becomes Chairman (in addition to Chief Executive Officer); Joe Crider is promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer.
When Valex is added to the family roster in 1986, Reliance gains entry to the semiconductor industry.
In 1987, William Gimbel becomes Chairman (in addition to Chief Executive Officer); Joe Crider is promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer.
By 1989, Reliance's 50th anniversary, sales top $350M, and the company remains poised for continued growth.
After turning around the faltering Santa Clara division, Gregg Mollins joins the corporate management team as Vice President in 1992. In 1995, Dave Hannah is promoted to President and Gregg to Chief Operating Officer.
On September 16, 1994, Reliance issues 3.5 million new shares in its IPO, raising $45.9M and making Reliance a publicly-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RS.”
William Gimbel, pictured here with his wife, Georgina and Joe Crider, at the New York Stock Exchange when Reliance completes its IPO. Gimbel retires later in 1994 but remains Chairman of the Board until 1997 (and Chair Emeritus until his passing in 1998).
In 1996 Reliance acquires Siskin Steel & Supply Co., headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is one of the oldest companies in the industry and an "integral part of our strategy to become a national company with operations extending beyond the Western half of the United States," according to David Hannah.
With the additions of AMI Metals, Inc. and Service Steel Aerospace Corp. in 1997, Reliance enters the aerospace industry. With sales at $654M, Reliance logs its 6th consecutive year of record sales.
In 1999, Joe Crider retires as Chief Executive Officer, succeeded by Dave Hannah, who also remains President until Gregg Mollins becomes President & Chief Operating Officer in 2001. Also in 1999, Karla Lewis (then McDowell) is appointed Chief Financial Officer.
In 2001, Reliance corporate headquarters moves from industrial Vernon to downtown Los Angeles' Bunker Hill financial district.
Reliance expands into toll processing through the acquisition of Precision Strip, Inc. and, its subsidiary, Precision Strip Transport, Inc. in 2003.
In 2005, Reliance is named “Acquirer of Choice” by MSCI's Forward magazine.
In 2006, Reliance acquires its longtime and well respected competitor, Earle M. Jorgensen Company. The addition of EMJ's numerous facilities expands Reliance's presence across the United States and Canada. The deal marks Reliance's first acquisition of a public company and is partially funded using Reliance stock.
In August 2008, Reliance acquires the PNA Group of 23 service centers and seven joint ventures. This acquisition adds Delta Steel, LP, Feralloy Corporation, Infra-Metals Co., Metals Supply Company, Ltd., Precision Flamecutting and Steel, LP and Sugar Steel to Reliance's family of companies.
Reliance executive officers ring the closing bell at the NYSE in 2009 to mark the 15th anniversary of the company's IPO.
In April 2012, Reliance acquired National Specialty Alloys, Inc. (NSA), a global specialty alloy processor and distributor of premium stainless steel and nickel alloy bars and shapes, headquartered in Houston, Texas.
In 2014 Reliance celebrated our 75th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of our IPO. We unveiled a new logo in commemoration of these dual milestones.
In 2013 and 2014, Reliance acquired Haskins Steel. Co., Inc., All Metal Services, Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co., and Fox Metals. The companies expand Reliance’s footprint deeper in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and internationally especially in the aerospace and energy sectors.
Reliance added four companies to the Family in 2016 and 2017: Tubular Steel, Inc., which distributes and processes tubing and bar products; Best Manufacturing, Inc., who provides custom precision metal fabrication; Alaska Steel Co., which brought our presence to 40 U.S. states; and Ferguson Perforating, which specializes in highly engineered and complex perforated metals.
Reliance establishes Reliance Cares. The purpose of this employee assistance fund is to support members of our Family of Companies who are impacted by federal natural disasters.
Acquisitions made in 2018 include DuBose National Energy Services, Inc., KMS Fab LLC, and All Metals Processing and Logistics, which all provide value added services in industries such as nuclear, automotive, and construction. In 2018, Reliance also achieved record net sales of $11.8 billion, record pre-tax income of $850.6 million, a record annual gross profit of $3.3 billion, and record non-GAAP EPA of $8.94.
In 2019, Reliance commemorated its 80th anniversary and celebrated 25 years on the New York Stock Exchange. The company also achieved a record stock close of $122.17. We closed out the year with the acquisition of Fry Steel.
With an eye on the future and focus on innovation, Reliance launches its first e-commerce business, FastMetals, Inc. in February 2020. FastMetals ships nationwide and has direct access to Reliance’s vast network of metals service center locations, which carry over 100,000 products.
In October 2021, Reliance completes acquisition of Merfish United, a leading master distributor of tubular building products to the commercial, residential, municipal and industrial building markets. This acquisition broadens our focus on adjacent business opportunities beyond traditional metals service centers. The company changed its name to United Pipe and Steel Corp. in February 2023.
Reliance acquires Rotax Metals, Inc., Admiral Metals Servicenter Company, Inc., and Nu-Tech Precision Metals, Inc. in December 2021. These acquisitions expand our offerings in specialty metals including copper, bronze, and brass alloys; specialty non-ferrous metal products; and specialty extruded metals, fabricated parts, and welded components, respectively.
Executive leadership succession: Karla Lewis succeeds Jim Hoffman as Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2023.
Reliance donates $1 Million to Ronald McDonald House Charities® in March 2023 to kick off the expansion of its “Reliance Cares” corporate social responsibility program.
In May 2023, Reliance acquires Southern Steel Supply, LLC
The Reliance Cares Impact Hub platform launches in November 2023, enabling employees to donate to the causes of their choice with an annual company match. Over six weeks, an astounding 83.3% of employees across our Family of Companies donated over $680,000 to more than 3,600 nonprofits across the United States.
In February 2024, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. celebrates its 85th anniversary. The company announces a name change to “Reliance, Inc.” and a new logo.
In April 2024, Reliance acquired American Alloy Steel, Inc., a prominent distributor specializing in carbon and alloy steel plate and round bar, headquartered in Houston, Texas, along with Mid-West Materials, Inc., a top-tier flat-rolled steel service center based in Perry, Ohio, serving primarily North American OEMs.