LB Steel, LLC Assumes Ownership Of Long-Time Topeka Company

TOPEKA, KS:  LB Steel, LLC headquartered in Chicago, IL. announced today they have assumed ownership of Topeka Metal Specialties Inc., 5600 SW Topeka Blvd.

LB Steel is a market leader in both non-prime strip mill plate and steel counterweights with state-of-the-art engineering, processing, fabrication and finishing services.  The firm has a 450,000 square foot plant and inventory of more than 200,000 tons of steel plate in Harvey, IL. 

Robert Richards, vice president of sales & marketing of LB Steel LLL said the Topeka facility will retain the Topeka Metal Specialties name and become a division of LB Steel, Inc.  The company will retain the current 70 employees and gradually add 130 positions over the next year or two for a total of 200 jobs. 

Topeka Metal Specialties was founded in Topeka in 1964 by Hank Gerdes in a facility less than 600 sq. ft. and three employees.    Through the years the firm has served customers from throughout the Midwest by providing a variety of products including such items as specifically engineered cabs for over 100 different types of heavy-equipment and off road vehicles in a wide range of sizes and shapes. 

“The Gerdes family has supported their employees, the community, and their clients for many years,” Mike Goich, president of LB Steel, said.  “LB Steel looks forward to continuing the tradition of customer service and quality products in the years to come.  We are pleased to be able to assume ownership of the company at a time when we are ready for growth.  I know the Topeka employees will be able to help us grow and thrive in this marketplace.”

“We are pleased to see ownership of a long-time Topeka business transition to a new corporate citizen of Topeka and Shawnee County,” says Doug Kinsinger, president and CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka.  “We welcome LB Steel’s expertise and years of experience in this industry to our community.  This announcement means we will have 200 quality jobs in our community.”

About LB Steel LLC:
LB Steel, LLC was formed in December 2001 for the specific purpose of acquiring certain assets of Stasis Corporation.  The principals and executives of LB Steel have over 50 years in the steel industry operating companies.  In January, 2002, LB Steel started with 40 employees.  In 2006, the firm reached 250 employees and their plant in Illinois was operating at capacity.  For more information please go to www.lbsteel.com

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