Global Stainless Supply was launched in Houston, TX in mid-2002 through the combination of the financial muscle of one of the largest global trading companies and the entrepreneurial talents of a veteran of the PVF distribution industry.
Sumitomo Corporation of America (SCOA) and Mr. William (Bill) Bootz joined forces to create GSS and position it as a Master Distributor of stainless steel pipe, flanges and fittings. The combination allowed SCOA to broaden its traditional role as the trading representative for Sumitomo Metals’ pipe products. SCOA also saw that it could leverage an extensive network of global sourcing while providing a long-term, stable financial base. GSS relies upon long term strategic partnerships. At the heart of the partnerships are long-term volume commitments to manufacturers with agreed-upon pricing mechanisms. As a result, competitive bid practices are seldom utilized. Although considered to be high-risk by many, such an approach has provided cost and scheduling efficiencies for manufacturers. Hence, both GSS and its strategic supply base enjoy lower costs and improved product availability.
And then in September, 2006, only four years after its beginning, GSS relied upon SCOA resources to acquire the assets of Forgings, Flanges, and Fittings Inc. PVF master distributor had traditionally been segregated between carbon steel and stainless steel. GSS considered the potential of a true “one stop shop” as a significant step forward in adding value to the supply chain.
FFF was started in 1983 by brothers Danny and Stan Lee and became a leader in the distribution of approved flanges and fittings in carbon, low-temp, and chrome grades. Post acquisition, FFF was no longer under capital constraints and was able to diversify its product line to include generic weld fittings and flanges. Driven by the concept of lowering the transaction costs to its customers, GSS is combining FFF’s carbon steel inventory with their stainless steel inventory in all of its warehouses. This will offer customers a “one-stop shopping” opportunity that can significantly lower the cost of logistics in this environment of escalating transportation costs.
