Central Steel Co. of Ohio - Specimen Stock Certificate

Specimen Stock printed by American Bank Note Company.

Central Steel Co. has a complex history involving multiple entities. The most prominent is the Central Steel & Wire Company, founded in 1909. It became part of the Ryerson Family of Companies in 2018 and has locations, including one in Cincinnati, Ohio. A separate, historical entity known simply as Central Steel Co. was a significant Ohio-based steel producer in the early 20th century. This Massillon-based mill grew rapidly and by 1914 had $5 million in capital. It was eventually acquired by Republic Steel Corporation in 1930 and became a central part of what was then the world’s largest producer of finished stainless steel. Another distinct company, Ohio Central Steel in Pataskala, appears to be permanently closed.

Today, the company with an Ohio presence is Central Steel & Wire, operating as a leading metals service center. As part of Ryerson, it supplies a vast inventory of ferrous and nonferrous metals, including steel sheets, plates, and bars. The company serves industries like transportation, heavy equipment, and construction. The Cincinnati facility previously existed but appears to be permanently closed in some listings. However, the company as a whole continues to serve customers nationwide from its primary 900,000-square-foot facility and headquarters in University Park, Illinois. Customers can view the company’s full product catalog and request materials on the Central Steel & Wire website.