Thomas Neilan establishes Reliance Steel Products Company, a distributor of steel reinforcing bar, on February 3, 1939, in Los Angeles, California.Reliance subleases 6,600 square feet of warehouse space from Allied Supply Company on 37th Street in the city of Vernon, just outside Downtown Los Angeles.n 1944, the company name is changed to Reliance Steel Co.With the acquisition of Diamond Manufacturing in 2010, Reliance gains entry into the perforated metals market.In 2014 Reliance celebrates two important milestones: our 75th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of our IPO. We continue to keep abreast of current events that affect our business and seek to evolve our business to incorporate best practices, technological advancements, and the changing conditions of the industries we serve.

At the same time, Reliance remembers, honors, and stays true to the core values that have brought us this far – keeping things simple, doing what's right, and knowing that we can always do better – which will continue to guide our success and leadership as the leading metals service center company in North America.n April 2013, Reliance acquires Metals USA Holding, Inc. adding 48 service center facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Our largest acquisition to date, MUSA brings sales of approximately $2B and complements our diverse geography and product offerings.Throughout the past several years Reliance has expanded its Corporate management team to support the significant growth we have experienced. Jim Hoffman and Steve Koch joined Bill Sales as Senior Vice Presidents, Operations and Sheldon Tenenbaum was promoted to Senior Vice President, Supplier Development. With these additions and the expertise of our management teams in the field, we have built a deep bench of experience and knowledge.The addition of Continental Alloys & Services, Inc. in 2011 gives Reliance greater exposure to the energy sector and expands its international presence into new areas..