Integris Metals has presented its Award of Excellence to AK Steel for quality performance. The award is in recognition of AK Steel's quality performance from the fourth quarter of 2003 through the third quarter of 2004.

"The outstanding dedication to quality and service by AK Steel employees helped earn this important award," said James L. Wainscott, President and CEO of AK Steel. "We greatly appreciate this recognition from such a valued customer."

AK Steel supplies Integris Metals with flat-rolled stainless steels that are used in a wide variety of end-use products.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., Integris Metals is one of the largest, most diverse metal service centers in North America with three processing centers and 59 branch locations across the U.S. and Canada. Markets served by Integris include building and construction, general manufacturing, machinery and equipment and transportation.

Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.