Since the start of Coronado Steel in the early 60s, there have been expansions and many changes. Now, decades later, the company finds itself writing another chapter in its history.
In March 2024, the Canadian firm, Canerector, purchased Coronado Steel. It owns more than 50 independent companies across North America.
“Canerector wanted everything as-is. It’s willing to put money into the business – and has done that at other places they own. It’s committed to growing,” said Kevin Bradford, general counsel, Coronado Steel.
Connecting to MVMC
Part of the next chapter includes being a member of MVMC. Bradford said the company is always looking to hire. Like many manufacturers, retaining employees remains a challenge.
“We talked with MVMC Executive Director Alex Hertzer more than a year before we joined. Then, once the sale happened, we were in contact with him about developing the workforce and taking advantage of the TechCred program.”
Insight and collaboration were attractive reasons for the company deciding to become a member of MVMC. Bradford believes it only helps in working to build a stronger workforce.
“Alex did a really good job explaining how MVMC could help us. It seemed silly to not be part of the organization.”
Multiple industries served worldwide
Coronado Steel currently has 44 employees and manufactures high-alloy castings and machined parts.
It has hundreds of clients worldwide and serves industries such as steelmakers and steelmaking equipment suppliers, heat treaters, petrochemical suppliers, oil and natural gas extraction, medical device suppliers and tooling manufacturers.
“Our top 25 customers make up about 65 percent of business. We always have new and ongoing projects. We have a great capacity,” Bradford said. “We make sand molds, have our own patterning capabilities and work with local pattern shops when customers have something new. From machining, welding and pressure testing, it’s an all-inclusive business.”
He hopes to continue expanding the customer base as well.
“A lot of people out there that buy the kind of stuff we produce don’t know us yet.”
Moving forward
During Coronado Steel’s ownership transition, Bradford has been working alongside general manager Zach Clark. The two have been developing processes to get the company to the next level.
“Canerector believes in the processes, and we’re getting tons of support for the things we’ve always wanted to do,” Bradford said.
Coronado Steel’s former owner was local businessman who stepped away to pursue other ventures.
“It’s wonderful that really good people who had a business they really cared about, and nurtured from something small, to be able to pass it off to people who care about it just as much.”
Improvements in the works
Other changes for the company include a bigger furnace and automation/robotics. Specifically, Bradford is looking to incorporate it into the grinding process.
“We’ve been working on a concept. Grinding is tough work. It would make it easier on the guys to have a robot do the harder part of the job.”
While heading in a new direction, Coronado Steel has the benefit of reaching out to other Canerector-owned companies about issues.
“We don’t have to just rely on what we bring to the table. We can call another foundry and talk about things. There’s a wealth of knowledge there, and we’re all kind of working together for the same common goal,” Bradford said.
