Triple-S Steel has acquired R&S Steel, one of the largest distributors of structural steel products in the western United States.

R&S has more than 70 employees at its Denver and Lehi, Utah, locations, and provides a full range of products that includes wide flange beams, structural tubing, and pipe. The acquisition will raise Triple-S' inventory to more than 100,000 tons of structural steel and expand its geographic presence to five cities.

Gary Stein, President of Triple-S, said the acquisition is a natural extension of the company's purchase of Intsel Steel Distributors two years ago.

"This move builds upon that expansion," Stein explained. "It will give us the opportunity to serve more customers, from more places, than ever. That will make us even more competitive and reaffirm our position as a leading, diversified steel service center. R&S will be aligned with our Intsel Steel division to better serve their core customer group of structural fabricators and OEMs."

"We established this company in 1995 with a focus on the customer," added Mike Rolnick, a founder of R&S, "and have grown significantly since then. With our experienced sales force and understanding of the industry, I believe we will play an important role in the continuing success of Triple-S."

R&S will continue to operate under its existing name with the current management team led by Rolnick.

Headquartered in Houston, Triple-S Steel Supply Co. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Intsel Steel and R&S Steel, are one of the industry's largest distributors of steel and related products, including structural steel, artistic metals, fabrication supplies, and metal building accessories. Founded in 1960, the company serves customers nationwide from facilities in Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Knoxville, Tenn.; Denver, Colo.; and Lehi, Utah.