steel processing Archives - National Material Company

6 10, 2024

NMLP 60 Years Of Excellence As A Steel Distributor

joe2024-11-06T14:57:25+00:00October 6th, 2024|News Blog|

Celebrating six decades of excellence, National Material L.P. (NMLP) has evolved from a small steel distributor founded in 1964 into a global powerhouse in the metal industry. With a professional and industry-focused approach, NMLP has consistently set new standards in steel distribution, processing, and supply chain management.

Their journey, marked by rapid growth and strategic broadening, showcases a commitment to innovation and quality, making them a trusted partner for businesses across various sectors and inspiring others to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the metal industry.

A Strong Foundation in Steel Distribution

Founded in 1964, NMLP has expanded from a single location to a network of strategically positioned facilities. This enables the company to efficiently and effectively serve the diverse needs of its clients. Their commitment to delivering high-quality steel products has been the cornerstone of its success. Earning the company a reputation as a reliable steel distributor capable of meeting the most demanding industry standards.

Today, NMLP continues to lead the industry with state-of-the-art steel service centers and a comprehensive range of services. By offering tailored solutions that include steel and aluminum for OEMs, NMLP remains an indispensable partner for investors in the metal industry.

A Voyage Through Time: NMLP’s Evolution

1964: Foundation

In 1964, the National Material Company (NMC) established the foundation for what would later become National Material L.P. (NMLP), signaling the start of an extraordinary venture in the steel sector. Intending to offer unmatched steel distribution services, NMLP, in collaboration with NMC, rapidly emerged as a dependable and forward-thinking participant in the industry.

Later 20th Century: Expansion and Innovation

As the years progressed, NMLP expanded its operations and solidified its position as a major steel distributor in the United States. Key milestones during this period include:

Expansion in the U.S.: NMLP grew its footprint nationwide, establishing multiple facilities to serve its customers better.
Leadership in supply chain management: The company became a leader in steel supply chain management, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of high-quality steel products.

Late 20th Century / Early 21st Century: Global Reach and Diversification

NMLP did not limit its expansion to the United States. The company ventured into international markets, establishing operations in Mexico and China. This global reach allowed NMLP to serve a broader customer base and cater to various industries beyond steel, including automotive, construction, and aerospace.

Acquisitions and Expansions

Throughout its history, NMLP has advantageously acquired several companies to enhance its service offerings and capabilities:

National Material Processing, LLC, Interstate Steel Company, and Interstate Steel Processing added steel processing to their services.
Acquiring National Galvanizing, L.P., Combined Metals of Chicago, LLC, and Combined Metals of Michigan, LLC, expanded services into galvanizing and stainless steel processing.
Acquired Elgiloy Specialty Metals Division and Gibbs Interwire and broadened operations with National Blanking, Waukegan Steel, LLC, National Material Trading, LLC, and Maryland Pig Services, L.P.
Added Taber Extrusions, LLC, and Tower Extrusions, LTD, strengthening […]

8 09, 2024

When a Steel Distributor Does More Than Distribute Steel

joe2024-10-29T18:19:23+00:00September 8th, 2024|News Blog, NMC Media|

Steel distributor drive the evolution of the American steel industry, a key force behind the nation’s industrial growth and innovation. By the early 20th century, the U.S. led global steel production, fueled by rich iron ore deposits, coal veins, and strategic water routes. As the industry progressed, steel distributors and service centers took on vital roles, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality products.

Whether you are an OEM looking for steel and aluminum solutions or a stakeholder in the metal industry, this blog will enhance your understanding and showcase the multifaceted capabilities of leading steel service providers.

Steel Distributor: The Foundation of the Supply Chain

As essential pillars of North America’s industrial landscape, steel distributors drive growth and sustainability. By linking steel mills with end-users, they ensure a steady flow of steel products, which in turn fuels industrial development and strengthens economic progress.

These distributors serve a diverse array of industries, including construction, automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing. Their products are vital for structural engineering, machinery production, and infrastructure development, making them indispensable to the success of these sectors.

The Benefits of a North American Steel Distributor

Efficient supply chain management

By streamlining the flow of steel products to diverse industries, steel distributors enhance supply chain efficiency. They act as a crucial link between steel mills and end-users, making the supply chain more responsive and effective.

Wide range of products

A steel distributor provides a broad selection of steel products designed to meet the specific needs of various industries. This variety helps businesses find the exact materials required for their applications, boosting efficiency and ensuring they have the right steel for every job.

Local accessibility

Strategically located steel distributors across various regions make it easier for businesses to access steel materials promptly. This local presence helps reduce transportation costs and delays, ensuring timely delivery.

Quality assurance

Reputable steel distributors uphold rigorous quality control standards, ensuring the steel they supply meets the required specifications. This quality assurance is critical for industries that demand high-quality steel for their operations, guaranteeing reliability and performance.

While steel distributors are foundational to the supply chain, steel service centers elevate the process by offering critical value-added services.

Beyond Distribution: The Steel Service Center Advantage A steel service center is a critical intermediary between producers, distributors, and end consumers. These centers offer enhanced steel services such as steel cutting, slitting, and shaping steel products according to precise customer specifications, essential in steel supply chain management.

By providing tailored solutions, steel service centers ensure businesses receive the materials needed for their projects, optimizing efficiency and minimizing waste. They strongly emphasize precision and customization, utilizing advanced machinery and techniques to perform coil parting, slitting, and cut-to-length operations. This capability allows for customizing steel sizes and shapes catering to diverse project requirements.

The benefits of utilizing a steel service center are significant:

Reduced material waste […]

8 02, 2024

New Year, Great Outlook for Metals Processor National Material Company

jane2024-02-04T19:21:16+00:00February 8th, 2024|News Blog|

So what exactly makes National Material Company a top-of-the-line metals processor? Read on to find out.

The world we live in today has been greatly influenced by the steel industry, a legacy that all began in the Iron Age, when humans discovered the power of iron. During that time, steel production was still initially time-consuming and expensive. However, a significant turning point arrived with the introduction of the Bessemer converter. The game-changer came in the mid-19th century, revolutionizing steel manufacturing by making it more accessible and cost-effective. This innovation spurred rapid growth and enabled steel’s critical role in constructing everything from skyscrapers to intricate machinery, profoundly impacting society.

The modern steel industry is a sophisticated and advanced sector, characterized by numerous processes. Over the years, multiple advancements have significantly enhanced the efficiency, sustainability, and affordability of metals and steel processing.

National Material Company: Your Leading Metals Processor

National Material Company is North America’s leading metal processor and service provider with a rich history dating back to 1964. What was once a steel service center for electrical grade steel in Chicago, NMC has impressively expanded its capabilities to all types of flat-rolled steel processing. Over the years, they have built several processing facilities in the United States, making their mark in the flat-rolled steel processing and supply chain management sectors.

Today, National Material Company is recognized as a top choice for customers seeking high-quality metal processing services. Their reputation as a reliable metal processor is strengthened by a skilled team, state-of-the-art equipment, and extensive storage capabilities. With multiple locations across the U.S., they efficiently and cost-effectively meet the diverse needs of their clients. NMC’s commitment to excellence, combined with nearly six decades of experience, makes them an invaluable partner in the metals & steel service industry.

Discover a vast array of solutions, offerings, and expertise that NMC can bring to the table:

Galvanized Steel

NMC’s galvanized steel processing capabilities produce a high-quality metal products treated with zinc to make it corrosion and rust-resistant. Therefore, it will last longer than regular steel. The zinc coating helps to protect the steel from harmful elements that can cause corrosion and rust. This makes it a reliable and durable material for any project. Its durability in withstanding harsh weather conditions makes it so popular to an array of industries. These include automotive, construction, wind and solar, energy, and telecommunications.

Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS)

Secondly, one of NMC’s most exciting capabilities is the ability to process advanced high-strength steel (AHSS). Engineers have crafted this special steel to exhibit remarkable strength and lightness by utilizing chemical compositions and manufacturing processes. AHSS can form into complex shapes, thereby enabling manufacturers to decrease the number of individual parts required to create a product. It’s perfect for meeting the automotive industry’s strict regulations and helping manufacturers reduce emissions, improve safety, and enhance fuel economy.

Steel Supply

[…]

7 10, 2021

Steel Supply Chain Management: National Material Company

Cara2021-10-07T18:09:59+00:00October 7th, 2021|News Blog, NMC Media|

As a leader in supply-chain management, just-in-time programs, and inventory control, National Material Company is the perfect choice for any customer in search of the best experience possible. A skilled workforce, state-of-the-art metals processing machinery, and warehouse storage capabilities make NMC the company to compete with.

National Material Company has a particularly strong focus on delivering additional value to their customers — delivering excellence at every step in the supply chain — maximizing quality, cost, and speed.

Metal Processing:

Slitting
Pickling
Blanking
Galvanizing

Learn more

Logistics Optimization:

Materials from A to B at lowest possible cost for the Customer

- Cost-efficiently linking 22 plants, steel mills, and a certified processor network
- Total freight cost in 1 invoice: mill to processor to OEM
- Custom-designed for all NMC programs

Pricing Programs:

NMC provides numerous pricing options

CRU-indexed contracts allow price to change
Directed-buy pricing – OEM negotiates price with mill, NMC buys metal at “directed” price
Firm price for a defined period
Resale option– OEM negotiates price with mill, processor “resells” back to OEM at a price that includes value-added services
Spot pricing– one-time purchase with quick turnaround
Hedging/futures— eliminates price volatility

Value Added / Value Engineering:

Providing value over & above the price of the steel

Part appraisals
Mass reduction—light weighting
Product & process training
And more…

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI):

Increases accuracy and efficiency of transactions

Automated transaction processing
Eliminates keystroke errors

Outsourced parts:

Using a network of partners, NMC can provide

Stamping
Laser
Roll form
Press break
Welding
And more…

About Parent Company National Material L.P.

Since its founding in 1964, National Material Limited Partnership has grown to over 30 business units and is now one of the largest suppliers of metals in North America. The National Material group of industrial businesses consists of the Steel Group, Stainless and Alloys Group, Raw Material Trading Group, Aluminum Group, and Related Operations.

Please visit us at www.nationalmaterial.com or call (U.S.) 847-806-7200 to […]

8 07, 2021

Sustainable Steel Industry: Build Using Steel

Cara2021-07-08T17:15:17+00:00July 8th, 2021|News Blog, NMC Media|

The steel industry, as one of the globe’s premier industries in size and history, has taken its place of leadership in transforming itself towards sustainability. Previously identified as a smokestack industry, the steel industry has introduced new technologies and practices in becoming a green industry of sustainable steel.

Elon Musk has stated that environmental concerns “supersede political parties, race, creed, religion, it doesn’t matter. If we do not solve the environment, we’re all damned.” Or as Cameron Sinclair put it, “For 90 percent of the world, sustainability is a matter of survival.” For historian Thomas Fuller, the idea is very simple, “We never know the worth of water ‘til the well is dry.”

One way to see the huge strides the steel industry has taken is by looking at structural steel used in green construction. In particular, the “wood versus steel debate” sheds light on all the different aspects that need to be accounted for when considering sustainability and carbon neutrality.

For example, care must be taken to examine all the details involved with a product’s complete lifecycle. The extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of the materials must be calculated, but also the longevity, disposability, and reusability. Furthermore, all derivative processes must be considered. If the electricity used in steel plants is solar or wind energy, the steel industry becomes more sustainable without directly changing itself, just by modifying tangential processes. The same goes for the wood industry. Not all forest management practices are created equal, and the care taken in logging and replanting trees can radically change the sustainable nature of a material like wood.

By paying attention to all these details, the structural steel industry has decreased its carbon footprint per ton by 36%, lowered energy intensity per ton by 31%, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions per ton by 45%.

One of the most promising aspects of modern American steel processing is recycling, with steel being 100% recyclable. As reported by Architect Magazine, “The American Institute of Steel Construction estimates that 98% of structural steel from demolished buildings is recovered and recycled into new steel products. As such, domestically produced structural steel, which comes from electric arc furnace (EAF) mills, boasts a recycled content of 93%.” Because of steel’s longevity, in fact, one of the major bottlenecks in steel recycling is that, despite 98% of structural steel being recycled, finding enough scrap globally for the potential output of electric arc furnaces can be a problem.

Through innovation and design, the steel industry hopes to reach the ultimate goal: carbon neutrality. It is a fitting goal for an industry with a trajectory as important as steel. If we indeed turn this next century into the “Green Century,” the innovators of our times will become the heroes of the future. That, NMC believes, is a goal worth fighting for.

At NMC our steel slitting, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, and all our steel processes aim to continue the tradition of […]

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