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Steel Industries, Inc. Streamlines Operations

24 February 1999

Steel Industries, Inc. Streamlines Operations to Improve Customer Service And Communications

    DETROIT, Feb. 23 -- Steel Industries, Inc., a world-class
open-die forging manufacturer and global supplier of quality bar products, is
restructuring its internal operations to create a stronger, more unified
organization and identity.  The company's principle operating divisions --
Forging Specialties, Allsteel International and Pressform -- will now operate
under the existing corporate name Steel Industries, Inc.
    The announcement was made today by Steel Industries, Inc. President
Keith L. Woodland.  "The restructuring will improve communications and create
a more streamlined and customer-friendly organization," said Woodland.  "We
are making these changes to help eliminate overlaps in service areas and
territories.  Our three divisions operated independently, and some customers
were occasionally called on by more than one person representing our
corporation.
    "Our more efficient structure will provide immediate and significant
benefits to customers of Steel Industries, Inc. -- even better technical
support, and faster delivery and response to any and all inquiries," said
Woodland.
    Steel Industries, Inc. serves customers in 47 states in the U.S. as well
as companies in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia,
Israel, Egypt, Australia and New Zealand.  Its customers include companies in
the oil, gas and chemical; automotive; aerospace; machine tool; mining and
off-road equipment; and, marine industries.
    Forging Specialties, Pressform and Allsteel International will continue
to operate only as manufacturing centers for Steel Industries, Inc.  Under the
restructuring, customers will now deal with a single outside representative
who has the knowledge and authority to provide all of the company's products
and services.  Internally, customers will continue to work with the same
service personnel that they have in the past.
    "Steel Industries, Inc. is a diversified and growing company," said
Woodland.  "These changes -- combined with our past and future investments in
state-of-the-art technology, equipment and people -- will enhance our ability
to provide competitive products and outstanding value.  Innovation is, and
will remain, the hallmark of Steel Industries, Inc."
    Steel Industries, Inc. has on-site inventories of more than 160 different
grades of carbon and alloy, stainless, tool and high-speed steels; VAR and
other special alloys; and, aluminum.  The company maintains one of the largest
selections of tool steels in the industry.  It has an extensive barstock
inventory, and on-site machining and heat-treating capabilities.
    The company had its beginnings in Detroit in 1913 as a small hammer shop.
It operates three facilities in Redford Township, Mich.  Steel Industries,
Inc. is owned by Specialty Piping Components based in Houston, Texas.