The History of Ivy Steel & Wire

The name, Ivy Steel & Wire, has long been associated with quality and value in the concrete reinforcement industry.  From its modest beginnings in Jacksonville, Florida, Ivy Steel & Wire has grown into one of the largest producers of steel wire and welded wire reinforcing in the United States.

Ivy Steel & Wire was initially founded by Ivy H. Smith in 1953.  Mr. Smith, a building contractor involved in construction of residential homes and military bases, was unable to acquire enough WWR to keep pace with his needs, so true to the entrepreneurial American spirit, he went into the WWR business himself.  The business was successful and was incorporated in 1961.  In 1975, a second plant was opened in Houston, Texas, and in the late 70’s Houston became the headquarters.  As the need for concrete reinforcement grew, so Ivy grew, increasing its production with the addition of more personnel and equipment, continually maintaining a leadership position in the industry.

Ivy was merged in 1989 with Merchants Metals and Meadow Steel Products, forming MMI Products, Inc. in Houston, Texas.  With the continued demand for Ivy’s wire and WWR products, the company expanded, adding four more plants in 1996 and increasing sales opportunities along the East Coast and in the Midwest.  Then in early 2000, two more plants were added in the Central and Southwest regions.  Operating from eight plants today and shipping into 49 states, Ivy is able to provide a large variety of products throughout the country.

Ivy’s WWR ranges in size and style from standard rolls and sheets of building mesh to custom designed reinforcing for large buildings and bridges.  Fulfilling customer requirements, whether standard size or custom designed, is Ivy’s number one priority.