From skyscrapers and stadiums to bridges and industrial facilities, structural steel is at the very foundation of American infrastructure. In this report, we’re breaking down the latest facts and statistics in the industry based on MNI data, exploring some top companies, and providing a practical sourcing guide for procurement professionals.
Key Facts on the U.S. Structural Steel Fabrication Industry
MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles for the U.S. industrial sector and informational engine behind IndustryNet, surveyed the nation’s 1,600+ providers of structural steel fabrication, directly collecting key data points on this essential industry.
• There are currently 1,608 structural steel fabricators in the U.S.
• 48,549 workers are employed in the sector nationwide.
• Average reported sales for America’s providers of structural steel fabrication stands at $25 billion
• 2% U.S. structural steel fabricators are women-owned and another 1% report minority ownership.
• 9% of U.S. structural steel fabricators distribute their products internationally, while 5% import raw materials.
• The South accounts for the most structural steel fabrication suppliers with 38%, followed by the greater Midwest with 25%. The Pacific/Mountain west accounts for 21% and the rest are situated in the East Coast with 16% of the total.
Largest U.S. Structural Steel Fabrication Suppliers
The U.S. structural steel sector is led by a group of well-established firms with national reach and turnkey capabilities. Companies such as Gerdau Ameristeel US, Inc. and Nucor Steel are among the largest players, known for their ability to handle complex, large-scale projects. These firms often provide full-service offerings including design-assist, detailing, fabrication, delivery, and erection. Many are vertically integrated, operate multiple facilities across regions, and are prequalified for major infrastructure and public works projects. Here are the largest companies in the industry we’ve tracked based on employee count:
| Company | City | State | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiewit Offshore Services Ltd. | Ingleside | TX | 3,500 |
| Northrop Grumman Corp., Unmanned Systems | San Diego | CA | 2,200 |
| Southeast Texas Industries, Inc. | Bridge City | TX | 1,500 |
| Gerdau Ameristeel US, Inc. | Midlothian | TX | 1,000 |
| Steel Dynamics, Inc., Structural & Rail Div. | Columbia City | IN | 960 |
| Owen Industries, Inc. | Carter Lake | IA | 678 |
| Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. | Houma | LA | 560 |
| Nucor Steel, Norfolk Div. | Norfolk | NE | 500 |
| WW|AFCO Steel, LLC | Little Rock | AR | 450 |
| Gerdau Ameristeel US, Inc. | Jackson | TN | 400 |
About the Largest Structural Steel Fabricators in the U.S.
1. Kiewit Offshore Services Ltd. (Ingleside, TX - 3500 employees) Kiewit Offshore Services Ltd. is a major player in the construction and engineering industry, specializing in the fabrication of large, complex offshore platforms. Their 500-acre facility in Ingleside, Texas, is equipped to handle projects of any size, leveraging over 25 years of experience and a vast fleet of equipment.
2. Northrop Grumman Corp., Unmanned Systems (San Diego, CA - 2200 employees) Northrop Grumman Corp. is a leading aerospace and defense company, known for its innovative unmanned systems.
3. Southeast Texas Industries, Inc. (Bridge City, TX - 1500 employees) Southeast Texas Industries, Inc. (STI Group) is a world-class industrial fabricator and service provider, specializing in piping, pressure vessels, structural steel, and more. They serve various industries including power, petrochemical, refining, and oil and gas.
4. Gerdau Ameristeel US, Inc. (Midlothian, TX - 1000 employees) Gerdau Ameristeel US, Inc. operates one of the largest steel mills in North America, producing a wide range of steel products. Their Midlothian facility is known for its high-quality structural steel and rebar, contributing to major construction projects.
5. Steel Dynamics, Inc., Structural & Rail Div. (Columbia City, IN - 960 employees) Steel Dynamics, Inc. is a prominent steel producer, with its Structural & Rail Division in Columbia City, Indiana. This division specializes in manufacturing structural steel and rail products, serving various industries across North America.
6. Owen Industries, Inc. (Carter Lake, IA - 678 employees) Owen Industries, Inc. is a leading metal fabricator, providing high-quality steel products through its divisions: Paxton & Vierling Steel, Missouri Valley Steel, and Northern Plains Steel. They cater to clients across North America with their extensive fabrication capabilities.
7. Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. (Houma, LA - 560 employees) Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. is a premier fabricator for the industrial and energy sectors, known for its reliable steel structures and offshore services.
8. Nucor Steel, Norfolk Div. (Norfolk, NE - 500 employees) Nucor Steel Norfolk Division is part of Nucor Corporation, the largest recycler of scrap steel in the U.S. This facility specializes in producing engineered bar and coil products, serving the automotive and construction industries.
9. WW|AFCO Steel, LLC (Little Rock, AR - 450 employees) WW|AFCO Steel, LLC is the largest structural steel fabricator and erector in the U.S., with a rich history dating back to 1909. They excel in delivering complex structures for bridges, commercial buildings, and industrial projects.
10. Gerdau Ameristeel US, Inc. (Jackson, TN - 400 employees) Gerdau Ameristeel's Jackson facility is part of their extensive network of steel mills and recycling locations. They manufacture a wide range of steel products, including merchant bar, structural steel, and rebar, contributing to various construction projects.
IndustryNet's Top Structural Steel Fabrication Suppliers
IndustryNet connects buyers with 350,000+ U.S. manufacturers and suppliers, including thousands of U.S.-based structural steel fabricators, from large-scale providers to niche specialists. These companies serve diverse sectors including commercial construction, heavy industry, transportation, energy, and utilities. IndustryNet’s verified supplier directory allows buyers to filter by capabilities, certifications, equipment, and turnaround times. Whether you're sourcing beam fabrication, plate work, or pre-engineered systems, top suppliers on IndustryNet offer deep expertise, proven reliability, and fast lead times for custom orders. Here are just a few companies to get to know:
A.P.C. Emmert Mfg. (Marion, IA) A.P.C. Emmert Mfg. specializes in custom metal fabrication, including structural steel. They offer a range of services such as welding, part modifications, and repairs, serving the Marion, IA area with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
American Structural Metals, Inc. (Somerset, WI) American Structural Metals, Inc. is a leading fabricator of structural steel and miscellaneous metals for commercial buildings. They provide high-quality building materials and related services, ensuring precision and dedication in every project.
Apollo Steel, LLC (Jaffrey, NH) Apollo Steel, LLC specializes in welding, miscellaneous metal, and structural steel planning, fabrication, and erection for residential and commercial construction. They handle projects ranging from schools and town halls to prisons, ensuring quality and efficiency.
Flusche Enterprises, Inc. (Muenster, TX) Flusche Enterprises, Inc. has been providing structural steel, pipe tubing, fence supplies, and metal fabrication services since 1942. They cater to a wide range of customers, from small jobs to large farms and oilfield companies.
Miscellaneous Metal Fabricators, Inc. (Somerset, WI) Miscellaneous Metal Fabricators, Inc. is known for its expertise in structural steel and miscellaneous metal fabrication for commercial buildings. They offer a wide range of services, including the creation of intricate stairs, rails, and air filtration systems.
Nucor Tubular Products (Marseilles, IL) Nucor Tubular Products manufactures high-quality structural steel tubing. Their Marseilles facility is equipped with advanced technology to produce a wide range of steel tubing products, serving various industries.
Portuguese Structural Steel, Inc. (Newark, NJ) Portuguese Structural Steel, Inc. provides structural steel fabrication, including welding and installation services. Founded in 1988, they have grown into a multi-generation family business, offering high-quality products for both industrial and residential projects.
Sanpete Steel, LLC (Moroni, UT) Sanpete Steel, LLC has been in business since 1994, specializing in structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication and erection. They serve markets in Utah, Nevada, and the Intermountain West, ensuring projects are done right and on time.
Southern Metal Fabricators, Inc. (Albertville, AL) Established in 1991, Southern Metal Fabricators, Inc. has grown from a two-man shop to a leading custom metal fabrication company. They offer a wide range of services, including the fabrication of tanks, hoppers, and industrial ductwork.
Gambone Steel Co., Inc. (Norristown, PA) Gambone Steel Co., Inc. has been providing structural steel and miscellaneous iron services for over 50 years.
J.R. Hoe & Sons, Inc. (Middlesboro, KY) J.R. Hoe & Sons, Inc. offers a variety of construction site products, structural steel, miscellaneous metals, and industrial casting and machining services. They are dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services.
WMK & Co., Inc. (Billings, MT) WMK & Co., Inc. is a full-service steel fabricator, providing structural steel fabrication, erection, and design services. They are known for their expertise and commitment to excellence in the construction industry.
See all 1,600+ structural steel fabrication suppliers on IndustryNet.
Types of Structural Steel Fabrication
Structural steel fabrication involves transforming raw steel into load-bearing components for construction. Major fabrication types include:
• Beam & Column Fabrication – Standard W-beams, H-beams, and columns used in commercial and industrial framing.
• Trusses & Girders – Engineered components for long spans in bridges, stadiums, and airports.
• Pre-engineered Building Systems – Fabricated steel frames for warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.
• Heavy Plate Fabrication – For infrastructure like water treatment plants, refineries, or high-load facilities.
• Stairways, Platforms & Catwalks – Custom-fabricated components for industrial access and safety.
• Architectural & Decorative Steel – Precision-formed steel for curtain walls, facades, and custom architectural elements.
Sourcing Guide: How to Choose the Right Structural Steel Fabricator
1. Define Project Scope & Volume Requirements
Start by understanding your project’s complexity, steel tonnage, and timeline. Large-scale projects may require fabricators with extensive capacity, engineering staff, and erection services.
2. Look for Industry Certifications
Confirm that your supplier meets relevant industry standards like AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) certification, AWS welding standards, and OSHA safety compliance.
3. Assess Technical Capabilities
Ensure the fabricator has experience with the type of components you need—whether that’s wide-flange beams, tubular members, or complex truss systems. Ask about detailing software (e.g., Tekla), CNC cutting, robotic welding, and other precision tools.
4. Evaluate Material Handling & Logistics
Structural components are heavy, oversized, and often job-site specific. Look for suppliers with integrated delivery, lifting plans, and staging capabilities to minimize on-site delays.
5. Request Past Project Portfolios
A qualified fabricator should be able to share case studies or references from similar work, including details on tolerances, timelines, and coordination with general contractors or architects.
6. Check for In-House Engineering or Design Support
For complex or fast-track projects, a fabricator that offers design-assist or in-house engineering can provide major benefits in speed and coordination.
7. Prioritize Regional Suppliers When Possible
Working with fabricators in your geographic region can reduce transportation costs and simplify compliance with local codes and union regulations.
8. Start with a Pilot or Smaller Phase
If you're unfamiliar with a supplier, start with a trial project to evaluate quality, communication, and delivery. Gradually expand your partnership based on performance.
The Easiest Way to Quote Structural Steel Fabrication Suppliers
IndustryNet can help you narrow down your search for these or any other type of local industrial supplier. Perform searches by company type, distribution, geography, specialty, and even ISO standards. Search, sort, and quote for free on America’s most-trusted industrial marketplace.
About This Data
MNI collects detailed information firsthand, making direct contact with each industrial company in the U.S to verify multiple data points about their business. While this data is used to power a variety of industrial solutions, it also yields key insights and statistics as a natural outcome of our hand-verified collection process.
This data forms the informational engine behind IndustrySelect, which offers real-time access to detailed company and executive profiles for sales, marketing, recruiting, and research. MNI data also powers IndustryNet, an industrial sourcing platform that connects buyers with industrial suppliers across thousands of product categories. Both platforms are designed to help professionals find accurate, up-to-date information for sales and business development, prospecting, and procurement.
