LEECO STEEL OPENS NEW FACILITY IN OSHKOSH , WISCONSIN

SEPTEMBER 15, 2006 (DARIEN, ILL) - Leeco Steel is pleased to announce that it will open its new Wisconsin facility in Oshkosh, effective Sept. 20.

The new, 78,000-square-foot facility will carry Wisconsin 's largest inventory of plate steel, including carbon/HSLA, extra high strength, and abrasion resistant grades. This state-of-the-art operation includes full blasting and burning capabilities, as well as easy rail (in and out) and truck access.

Equally important for customers in the upper Midwest, the new central location will allow next-day deliveries to Wisconsin , Iowa , Minnesota and Michigan 's Upper Peninsula .

"The opening of this facility is another indication of our commitment to our customers," says Bob Pepoff, President and CEO. "Leeco is proud to offer the finest service and highest-quality products to customers across the country. This building enhances our ability to meet our customers' needs in this important segment of our operations."

The new building will replace the Leeco facility now at Manitowoc , WI . It will initially employ about 15, with Chad Schuh as general manager.

Leeco Steel is a leading distributor of carbon, HSLA, and alloy plate in North America with five locations in the U.S. and Mexico . Leeco Steel is wholly owned by O'Neal Steel. O'Neal Steel is the nation's largest family-owned, full-line metals service center with headquarters in Birmingham , Alabama , and 68 locations in North America, Europe, and Asia . The O'Neal Steel family of companies includes Aerodyne Alloys, Ferguson Metals, Leeco Steel, Metalwest, Timberline Steel, and TW Metals.