Pittsburgh Suppliers to the Steel Industry
Carey Treado and Frank Giarratani

Despite the historic decline of steel-making jobs in the region, Pittsburgh has maintained a substantial concentration of firms that supply the steel industry nationwide and worldwide with goods, services, and equipment. This industry cluster represents approximately 18 percent of the companies that identify themselves as suppliers to the steel industry nationally. The variety of products and services provided by these firms is substantial, ranging from basic materials to cutting edge technologies in systems engineering, process controls, and metals casting and rolling. Our research documents the size and product focus of this industry cluster and analyzes how it has adapted to the dramatic restructuring of steel production in the United States during the 1980's and 1990's. We also examine the role that these firms serve as a vehicle for the region’s economic development.

This research project is based on a broad survey of steel supplier firms in the Pittsburgh region and on in-depth case studies of selected firms. Conceived as a cooperative effort between industry and academia, we have engaged the help of industry research partners that include the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST), the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and US Steel Corporation. To date, over 100 Pittsburgh area suppliers to the steel industry have joined our ongoing survey.

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