- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
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- 26,957
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Should say 'rollformed' in the USA from materials sourced worldwide. I retired from the steel business I worked for one of the largest suppliers of flat rolled in the country for 28 years and I know where it originates at and it ain't here (for the most part). It may be processed here (roll formed), levelled, sheared or slit but the material wasn't made here for the most part. Sharon tube is a roll former and buys worldwide. They bought from us as well and our material was purchased everywhere, including China and the Soviet Union to name a few. We bought domestic as well but the largest percentage came over on a boat.
The steel business is unique in the fact that the original material can come from just about anywhere but once it's processed, you can stencil it with 'Made in USA'. In reality, it isn't. Processed, not made. The line gets blurred.
Finally, there is nothing wrong with Chinese steel so long as the certifications are consistent and in accordance with ISO standards. In fact, the Chinese produce some exceptional quality steel but they also produce some junk and that holds true with the very few domestic mills still in production.
Tossing out the Made in China connotation is nothing more than a red herring. Having been in the business for almost 3 decades, I know how the game is played.
The steel business is unique in the fact that the original material can come from just about anywhere but once it's processed, you can stencil it with 'Made in USA'. In reality, it isn't. Processed, not made. The line gets blurred.
Finally, there is nothing wrong with Chinese steel so long as the certifications are consistent and in accordance with ISO standards. In fact, the Chinese produce some exceptional quality steel but they also produce some junk and that holds true with the very few domestic mills still in production.
Tossing out the Made in China connotation is nothing more than a red herring. Having been in the business for almost 3 decades, I know how the game is played.