Ryerson is built on over 170 years of ingenuity, innovation and hard work. From its modest start in 1842, the company has grown into a network of warehouses, service centers, and facilities with the capability and inventory to serve any metal need. Ryerson has survived the Great Chicago Fire, weathered economic downturns, and evolved with the changing markets. Beyond metal, Ryerson stands for quality, service, and convenience.Era of Growth: 1842-1909 Joseph T. Ryerson opened a little iron store on the Chicago River in 1842. By the beginning of the 20th century, the company expanded its operations to New York.

In 1871, nearly 30 years after opening, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed the little iron store. Unwavering, John T. Ryerson immediately reopened in temporary quarters.Just after the turn of the century, Ford Motor Company Incorporated began producing vehicles. Ryerson began supplying the auto manufacturer with large supplies of steel.In 1908, Ryerson moved to a larger facility at 16th and Rockwell. A year later, the company opened a warehouse in New York, marking the move outside of Chicago

Ryerson continues to expand its service center network in North America and strengthen its processing capabilities with the acquisitions of Fay Industries, Inc. and Southern Tool Steel.