Cooper Steel Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1960, Cooper Steel is a family-owned business specializing in structural steel fabrication and erection. With over six decades of experience, the company has established itself as a national leader in the industry, offering comprehensive services that include estimating, fabrication, erection, project management, and detailing. Cooper Steel operates facilities in Nashville and Shelbyville, Tennessee, as well as Florence, Kentucky.

Mission: To deliver superior structural steel products and services with uncompromising integrity for every customer.

Vision: To stand as the steel industry’s ultimate leader by elevating safety, quality, and performance to new heights.

Core Values:

Go All Out: Commitment to maximum effort and exceeding expectations.

Be The One: Upholding moral integrity and responsibility.

Forge Ahead: Continuous improvement and perseverance.

Give Big, Expect Little: Generosity and selflessness without expectation of personal gain.

Key Strategic Focus

Cooper Steel's strategic focus centers on delivering high-quality structural steel solutions across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. The company emphasizes safety, quality, and performance, aiming to exceed industry standards. By integrating advanced technologies and maintaining a skilled workforce, Cooper Steel targets markets that demand precision and reliability in steel fabrication and erection.

Financials and Funding

As of January 2025, Cooper Steel's annual revenue is estimated at $35 million. The company has secured $40.7 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing to support expansion projects, including facility enhancements in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Cooper Steel leverages advanced technologies to enhance its fabrication and erection processes. The company's tech stack includes platforms such as Duda, Drupal, Microsoft Excel, Sage, Asana, jQuery Migrate, Open Graph, and Priority Hints. These tools facilitate efficient project management, precise detailing, and streamlined operations, setting Cooper Steel apart in the industry.

Leadership Team

Gary K. Cooper: Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

J. Kenneth Cooper: Founder.

W. Duff Zimmerman, P.E.: President.

Cory Cooper: Chief Operations Officer.

Jordan Cooper: Chief Financial Officer.

Stephen Crews: Executive Vice President, Fabrication Operations.

Elizabeth Burris: Chief Legal Officer.

Drew Turner: Controller.

Leadership Changes

In April 2020, Cooper Steel appointed Blair Mann as Human Resources Director, highlighting the company's focus on strengthening internal operations and organizational development.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The structural steel fabrication and erection industry is characterized by steady demand driven by commercial, industrial, and infrastructure development. Companies in this sector compete on factors such as quality, safety, technological innovation, and project management capabilities.

Competitor Analysis

Cooper Steel's primary competitors include:

Morris Leslie: A leading supplier of plant equipment and provider of auction services.

HALL Group: A provider of commercial real estate services.

HB Construction: A commercial contractor specializing in various construction projects.

Martin Selig Real Estate: A Seattle-based real estate developer.

These competitors operate in overlapping sectors, offering services that intersect with Cooper Steel's core business areas.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Cooper Steel has engaged in strategic partnerships to enhance its market position and community engagement. Notably, the company has partnered with organizations like the Nashville Sports Council, showcasing a commitment to community involvement and branding.

Operational Insights

Cooper Steel's strategic considerations include maintaining a competitive edge through technological integration, workforce development, and adherence to safety and quality standards. The company's family-owned structure fosters a culture of integrity and commitment, distinguishing it from larger, publicly traded competitors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Cooper Steel aims to expand its market reach by leveraging its reputation for quality and safety. The company's recent facility expansions and technological investments position it to meet increasing demand in the structural steel sector. Continued focus on strategic partnerships and community engagement will further strengthen its market presence.