History

For Chicago entrepreneur Alfred M. Castle, it all began with a horse, a wagon and a vision.

After 130 years in business A. M. Castle & Co. has evolved from a one-man operation into a worldwide corporation with over 30 branches across four continents.

A. M. Castle & Co. has a storied history that spans over a century. The company was founded in 1890 by Alfred Martin Castle, an optimistic 24-year-old with a young family and big dreams. Alfred would load tubes, rivets, wheel rims and other raw steel products into his wagon at the nearby railroad dock and fight the congestion of central Chicago traffic to deliver his orders to shops and factories throughout the city.

Thirteen-plus decades later, we continue Mr. Castle’s legacy by adapting to the changing needs of our customers and the industries we serve. Castle Metals, now returning to its original and legal name, has expanded its global footprint, establishing a presence in key markets around the world, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), and APAC (Asia-Pacific).

The company’s expansion hasn’t just stopped at global reach. In fact, it’s just the beginning.

On May 11, 2023, A. M. Castle & Co. was acquired by MiddleGround Capital, a private equity firm known for its cost-effective solutions in the metals service center industry. MiddleGround Capital previously acquired Banner Industries in 2019.

Shortly thereafter, A. M. Castle & Co. – including Castle Metals Aerospace and Castle Metals Industrial - merged with Banner Industries, a leading distributor of high-performance metals for the medical, aerospace and defense sectors, along with its associated operating companies. This merger created a powerful combination of complementary strengths, enhancing the ability to serve a broader range of customers and industries.

As part of the MiddleGround Capital portfolio, A. M. Castle & Co. continues to innovate, expand and thrive, leveraging the combined expertise and capabilities of eight divisions across three market verticals: Aerospace, Industrial and Medical.

Though far removed from our days of horse-drawn wagons, A. M. Castle & Co. remains a testament to our founder’s resilience and adaptability, upholding a legacy of quality and service while continuously evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic market.

Our company's history is marked by strategic growth, successful mergers, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to its customers worldwide; a trajectory that would surely make Mr. Castle proud.