In September 1996, a small group of entrepreneurial-minded steel service center owners from the United States and Canada met to form what quickly became one of the largest steel and metal-buying groups in the country. The co-op’s founding group took a “leap of faith” by forming the cooperative.

Within a few months, more than 30 companies—representing over $1 billion in revenues—officially incorporated the North American Steel Alliance in November 1996. The following year, North American Steel Alliance employed its first President & CEO, Lonnie Terry and Vice President, Miles Donovan. These two visionaries led the co-op through its first 20 years. Despite consolidation in the industry, under their leadership the co-op became one of the largest cooperatives in the U.S. and Canada. It is the only successful North American cooperative venture in the steel industry.

Today, under the leadership of President, Mike Wagner, NASA serves a community of 121 member/owners and suppliers from offices in Des Plaines, IL and Laguna Hills, CA. Our steel service center member/owners represent approximately $9 billion in combined annual revenues.

Membership in NASA delivers value for our member-owners by providing them 1) a platform for growth through connections to our network of over 75 preferred mill, operational, and service provider suppliers; and 2) a platform for knowledge to share innovative ideas and best practices. Members who leverage these platforms realize the value of membership in terms of increased profitability, enhanced operational processes, and enlightened leadership. Our management team, working on behalf of our members, develops and facilitates custom purchasing programs with suppliers ranging from producing steel mills to industrial suppliers, material handling, processing equipment, transportation and logistics, general services, and consumable goods. Our negotiated purchasing programs have annually delivered millions of dollars in dividends and cost savings for our members. Members own stock in the co-op and therefore have incentive to direct purchases within the supplier community.