Press Release - April 15, 2008
Pricing Announcement
Dear Valued Customers,
We want to provide our representatives, customers and distributors with an update
on the current steel market conditions and notify you of changes in pricing.
Our February 5th pricing announcement described a very unstable steel market
and also rising costs in other facets of our business. The steel situation has
not stabilized and it appears this volatility will continue. We continue to
receive additional steel increases that have resulted in an increase of over
65% since the first of the year. This brings the current cost of hot rolled
steel to $1000 per ton. Fuel, energy costs and aluminum ingot also continue
to increase.
With projections for further increases, we will honor terms of our quotations
but regretfully can no longer hold prices firm on outdated quotations or orders
that were placed on a “hold for release” basis where the firm price
period has expired. When released, these orders will be requoted at current
prices. The recent cost increases will result in an additional general increase
of approximately 10% - 15% depending on the product and specific size over and
above the February price increase.
The current situation remains very unpredictable and we will continue to provide
you with updates as conditions change. We very much appreciate your understanding
and continued support as we deal with this volatile market.
Sincerely,

Ronald J. Martino
Vice President, Sales
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