Charleston Steel - Fabricating and Warehousing

Charlston Steel Office (Dunbar, WV)

The plan to create Charleston Steel Company, was developed in late 1988. Two West Virginia businessmen, R. Sterling Hall and John E. Goetz, saw the need for a "CUSTOMER ORIENTED" steel service facility in the Charleston area.

Mr. Hall, President of Huntington Steel and Supply Company, had contemplated for several years about a steel warehouse facility in the Charleston area. Mr. Goetz, a veteran of the steel fabrication industry, had been thinking of having a steel fabrication facility in the Charleston area. The friendship of these two men and the common interest of having a steel service facility in the Charleston area, was enough to encourage them to conduct a feasibility study.

The study indicated there was a definite need for this type of a steel service center. The next step was to locate an adequate facility.

During the late 1960’s, there was a steel fabrication business in the area called Furnace Engineering Company. After being in several locations in the Kanawha Valley, Furnace Engineering moved to the facility on 28^th Street in Dunbar, West Virginia. This property was developed by Furnace Engineering Company over the next several years.

During the mid 1970’s, Furnace Engineering Company sold the 28^th Street property to Jim Miller & Associates, an engineering and construction firm specializing in fabricated steel for the coal mining industry. Miller & Associates used the property as a steel fabrication shop until the late 1970’s when the property was sold to Armco Mining Company.

Armco Mining Company used the property as a repair and maintenance facility for large trucks and other mining equipment. When Armco Mining Company was purchased by Peabody Coal Company during the mid 1980’s, Peabody Coal Company decided to move the maintenance staff to a different location. The property was vacant until early 1989 when Mr. Hall and Mr. Goetz inquired about it.

Yes, the property was for sale and events started to happen quickly. The new company could now have a home - five acres of property, a nice size shop, office facilities, and a great location to serve the Kanawha Valley market area. Relying on the good name of Huntington Steel and Supply Company and operating as a corporate subsidiary, Charleston Steel Company had an immediate line of credit at many major companies. Additionally, by using the resources of Huntington Steel, Charleston Steel Company could become a major player in the steel service industry very quickly. During the first several months of operation, much time was spent buying equipment and bringing in inventory. The company was fortunate in these areas. The elements for success were beginning to fall into place.

Through the dedication and hard work of the employees, the opportunity afforded by those early customers, and the support shown by our suppliers, Charleston Steel Company became a reality. With a continued commitment to Quality, Service, and a "Customer Oriented" philosophy, Charleston Steel Company will grow and prosper in the future.