Ryerson Expanding in Duluth

Ryerson Inc. announced it has acquired the former O’Neal Steel building on North Berkeley Lake Road in Duluth for an expansion of its Atlanta area operations. Ryerson is a leading processor and distributor of metals in North America and Asia.

Chicago-based Ryerson, which has been operating in the Atlanta area for more than 93 years, expects to have the expansion in Duluth completed in the first quarter of 2012, according to the announcement. The expansion will add 147,000 square feet of warehouse space and is expected to create about 25 new jobs over the next year, increasing Ryerson’s employment to 290 in the Atlanta area.

Ryerson has an existing facility across North Berkeley Road from the recently acquired warehouse.

The warehouse space is expected to enhance the company’s inventory and processing capabilities in long products and fabricated plate, complementing its strong flat product capabilities. Ryerson services its customers through a network of service centers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China.

"The expansion of Ryerson's inventory and processing capabilities is designed to bring additional value to our customers by offering complete supply chain solutions," said Dave Keatley, vice president/general manager of the Atlanta market, in the announcement. "We are strengthening our rapid response capabilities by expanding ourcustomer service hours to 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and with the addition of a same-day delivery option on expedited requirements."

"The City of Duluth welcomes Ryerson to Duluth and Gwinnett County,” Mayor Nancy Harris said in the announcement. “We are rebuilding our economy and partners like Ryerson are vital to this effort."