Founded in 1957 by partners Henry Davis and Fred Schwartz, Alliance Steel Service Company was a pioneer in an evolving business model which was new for the time. Henry and Fred launched a new business concept for the scrap-recycling business that catered to industrial customers exclusively. They took advantage of brokering scrap from many dealers on Alliance Steel orders. As the industrial business increased, Alliance teamed up with a local hauler to provide containers and transportation for the material generated by these manufacturing facilities. This concept, although new at the time, provided a win win for both buyers and sellers for price, quality and material weight.
Today, Alliance Steel services over 200 industrial accounts and provides needed scrap to over 30 corporate customers both nationally and internationally.
The firm has made a major commitment to the international brokerage market. Alliance Steel purchases, sorts, packages, and transports recyclable material such as steel, aluminum, copper, stainless, and brass.
In 1976 Henry’s son-in law Harold Goldfine and Fred’s son Charlie Schwartz joined the company. Shortly thereafter a new facility was constructed at the current site in Minneapolis due to additional business.
The facility featured a larger yard and warehousing combination for additional capacity. The facility provides direct rail connection as well as over the road transportation service. In addition both barging service as well as international container service is available from other Alliance owned locations nearby. Knowledgeable on site staff is available to address questions related to the processing, storing, and transporting of material.
Alliance Steel has a very proactive attitude toward environmental practices. The fill time environmental staff is committed to following compliance issues such as industrial waste discharge, storm water pollution prevention plans and the collection and disposal of stockpile runoff. In addition, the company maintains a on-call environmental consulting firm that is ready to step in and assist when needed. Alliance steel scrutinizes incoming material, rejects hazardous material, and has a detailed tracking/accounting system, which tracks all incoming and outgoing shipments. This has been recognized by the insurance industry and the company’s comprehensive insurance policy protects coverage for all business partners.
Charlie Schwartz and Harold Goldfine purchased the business in 1984. Shortly there after, Harold bought the company in entirety from Charlie Schwartz when Charlie decided to retire in 1995. Over the years the company has increased in size both through acquisition as well as market share. The flow of ferrous material has grown from approximately 14,000 tons per year at inception to the current level of approximately 275,000 ton per year of material that includes brokered material, ferrous material and non ferrous material.
In 2005 Michael Zweigbaum purchased the company from his father –in –law Harold Goldfine. Michael is the largest majority shareholder of the business and manages the company both himself and through another key employee Thomas Rogers who maintains an equity position in the company. All decisions are made locally and the business model has proven successful over the years through diligence, hard work, and a commitment made to all customers and suppliers “ to do what is right “.
