Choosing domestic steel is more than a material specification; it is an investment in the future of our nation. The Keep Steel Here initiative underscores a vital principle: American-made steel is fundamental to the strength and resilience of our country. Prioritizing domestic manufacturing bolsters the economy, supports local communities, and fosters a shared sense of purpose and pride.
Zekelman Industries presents the case for maintaining the domestic steel industry here. (Wheatland Tube is a division of Zekelman Industries): https://www.zekelman.com/zekelman-perspective/steel-here-why-america-cannot-afford-to-lose-its-steel-industry/
Watch this short video, Keep Steel Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh5YhRB6KIs
Quality Counts
For mechanical contractors, the integrity of your project depends on the quality of the materials you use. Imported steel carries the risk of rework and waste if it does not meet high standards. Sourcing steel domestically means that manufacturers maintain complete control over the supply chain, guaranteeing that you receive high-quality, ready-to-install pipe that meets rigorous standards and keeps your project on schedule. Wheatland Tube’s 100-percent domestic line of standard pipe is available in a wide range of finishes and is proven to work in threaded, press fit, and grooved applications.
Selection, Service, and Support
When you choose domestic pipe, you have access to widely available products with the service and support that you need. For example, Wheatland’s SureThread continuous weld pipe now meets ASTM International’s A53 grade B standards in nominal pipe sizes ½”–4” for even more applications. Additionally, when pipe products are sourced domestically, you have the opportunity to procure custom lengths and end finishes to avoid waste and work more efficiently on the jobsite. Wheatland Tube has more than 350 combinations of finishes, end treatments, and custom lengths.
Choosing domestic products also offers other advantages:
- Total supply chain control: Working with domestic manufacturers gives you more control over the ordering process from start to finish. Wheatland offers manufacturer-direct services, such as dedicated sales representatives, alongside technical and logistics support. Investment in advanced commerce systems like electronic data interchange (EDI), automated inventory management (AIM), and Wheatland’s Z-Commerce online portal help minimize lead times, mitigate unexpected supply chain events, and provide faster fulfillment.
- Technological advancements: Domestic manufacturers leverage advanced technology to optimize efficiency. For example, Wheatland Tube’s products are made in a state-of-the-art facility in Warren, Ohio. Their Matter Automated Warehouse ensures that they always have what you need and can deliver it quickly. This advanced technology minimizes manual handling throughout the production, bundling, and storage process, making the facility one of the safest in the world. Additionally, by storing products in a controlled environment and streamlining operations with full automation, products are delivered free of rust and damage and ready-to-install, which significantly shortens lead times.
- Environmental advantages: According to a 2023 report, the United States could cut approximately 11.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year—about 13 percent of the total annual emissions of the American steel industry—if imported steel were produced domestically.* Wheatland is committed to reducing emissions from its factories by exceeding environmental regulations and investing in technology that allows them to manufacture products more efficiently and cleanly. Buying domestically made products contributes to local economies and to the future of the planet.
For more information, visit www.wheatland.com.
*Hasanbeigi, A. (June 2023). Embodied CO2 emissions in steel imports to the U.S.: A white paper on steel trade, carbon competitiveness, and decarbonization. Global Efficiency Intelligence. https://www.globalefficiencyintel.com/embodied-co2-emissions-in-steel-imports-to-the-us
