Metals USA, Inc. announced that E. L. (Tom) Thompson has retired from the company effective August 13, 2004. "We thank Tom for the contributions he has made to our Company over the past five years. We wish Tom the very best," said C. Lourenco Goncalves, President and CEO of Metals USA.

The company has appointed Robert C. McPherson III to replace Tom Thompson as Senior Vice President and President of the Building Products Group. Mr. McPherson has been with Metals USA since March 2003, in the capacity of Senior Vice President, Business Development. Prior to that, he worked for California Steel Industries, Inc. (CSI) in Fontana, Calif., for 13 years, in a number of executive positions. Upon his resignation from CSI, Mr. McPherson held the position of Treasurer and Controller.

Mr. Goncalves stated: "Robert's appointment to succeed Tom is a clear demonstration of commitment with our Building Products business. Robert's leadership will take the Building Products Group of Metals USA to the next level, making it an even more important contributor to Metals USA's results."

Headquartered in Houston, leading metals distributor and processor Metals USA provides a wide range of products and services in the heavy carbon steel, flat-rolled steel, specialty metals, and building products markets.