Top Providers of Stainless Steel Sourcing in the U.S.

Sourcing stainless steel in the United States means more than just securing metal. For manufacturers, fabricators, and engineers, it’s about finding reliable partners who understand quality control, offer a wide selection of grades and forms, and can meet industry-specific standards. From aerospace to food processing, stainless steel remains a core material—and companies across the country rely on trusted sourcing partners to get the job done right.

Below are the top providers of stainless steel sourcing in the U.S., starting with a company that stands out for its ability to streamline the entire sourcing process from mill coordination to delivery.

Red Lion Inc.

Red Lion Inc. is a stainless steel sourcing coordinator that connects businesses with U.S. mills producing high-grade stainless and specialty alloys. Unlike traditional distributors, Red Lion works behind the scenes to manage every stage of the process—locating the right material, handling certifications, coordinating value-added services, and ensuring timely delivery.

Red Lion supports sourcing for a wide range of stainless grades, including 304, 316, 17-4PH, and duplex alloys. Whether a company needs bar stock, cut plate, or precision tubing, Red Lion helps find the best-fit supplier and manages the logistics required to bring everything together. With experience in regulated industries such as aerospace, defense, and medical manufacturing, Red Lion is a preferred partner for buyers who need traceability, mill test reports, and full compliance with demanding specifications.

North American Stainless

As one of the largest integrated stainless steel producers in the U.S., North American Stainless offers a full range of flat-rolled products. Located in Ghent, Kentucky, the company manufactures coil, sheet, plate, and precision strip in grades like 304, 316, and 409. Because all stages of production take place at the same site, North American Stainless can ensure quality control and consistent lead times.

They serve customers in construction, automotive, appliance, and food processing, with a strong reputation for consistent product availability and on-site support. For large-volume buyers who need domestic material with short shipping distances, North American Stainless is a dependable source.

Ryerson

Ryerson is a major metal distributor with dozens of facilities across North America. The company carries a wide selection of stainless steel products, including sheet, plate, bar, tubing, and structural shapes. Their stainless inventory includes grades like 303, 304, 316, and 410, with both hot-rolled and cold-finished options.

Ryerson also offers custom processing services such as laser cutting, shearing, sawing, and polishing. Their distribution network allows for quick fulfillment, especially for companies with multiple locations or those seeking just-in-time delivery.

Penn Stainless

Based in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Penn Stainless focuses on high-performance stainless steel products. The company stocks plate, sheet, bar, structural shapes, and tubing, and carries a wide range of grades from common 304 and 316 to duplex and super-austenitic alloys.

Penn Stainless is known for its in-house processing capabilities, including plasma cutting, waterjet, saw cutting, and grinding. Their inventory supports industries that require stainless with tight tolerances and surface finishes, including pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and marine applications.

Best Stainless & Alloys

Best Stainless & Alloys serves customers who need stainless steel round bar, shafting, and tubing, particularly in pump, valve, and marine applications. Headquartered in Houston, the company is known for carrying high-strength grades like 17-4PH, 15-5PH, and duplex 2205.

In addition to raw material sourcing, Best Stainless provides value-added services such as precision cutting, heat treating, and straightening. Their ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications make them a frequent supplier for aerospace and energy customers with strict compliance needs.

O’Neal Steel

O’Neal Steel is one of the oldest family-owned metal service centers in the U.S. The company offers stainless sheet, plate, bar, pipe, and tube, as well as a range of aluminum and carbon steel products. O’Neal’s processing capabilities include laser cutting, forming, sawing, and plasma cutting, which supports customized stainless orders for fabrication and manufacturing shops.

With multiple service centers and an online inventory management platform, O’Neal is well-suited to supply small-to-mid-size manufacturers and contractors who need consistent access to stainless material without large-volume requirements.

Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals

Ulbrich specializes in precision stainless steel strip, foil, and wire. The company serves aerospace, medical, solar, and electronics manufacturers that require tight tolerances and advanced metallurgical properties. With operations in Connecticut and Illinois, Ulbrich supplies a variety of stainless grades and also supports custom melt programs for clients needing unique compositions.

Their focus on precision makes Ulbrich a go-to provider for critical applications where form, finish, and consistency are non-negotiable. They also offer metallurgical support, lab analysis, and product development services.

Rolled Alloys

Rolled Alloys is a specialty metals supplier with a strong presence in stainless steel, high-temperature alloys, and corrosion-resistant materials. The company carries stainless grades like 304L, 309, 310, and 321, serving industries such as aerospace, chemical processing, and thermal equipment manufacturing.

With facilities across the U.S., Rolled Alloys provides cut-to-size services and technical support for clients dealing with heat, stress, and corrosive environments. Their inventory and material knowledge are particularly useful for engineers who need to match stainless performance with specific design requirements.

Continental Steel & Tube

Continental Steel & Tube is a full-line distributor offering stainless steel bar, sheet, plate, pipe, and tube. They serve clients in construction, aviation, shipbuilding, and energy. The company supports both domestic and DFARS-compliant sourcing, which is critical for defense and aerospace contracts.

They provide mill test reports with each order and have experience working with large engineering firms and government agencies. Their team assists with sourcing hard-to-find alloys and unusual dimensions, making them a reliable partner for special project sourcing.

Alro Steel

Alro Steel has grown into a nationwide supplier with a diverse product line that includes stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and plastics. Their stainless inventory covers common grades and forms, with fast turnaround and cutting services available through local warehouses.

For companies that need regional delivery and basic processing—like sawing or shearing—Alro offers a practical solution. Their online system also helps customers manage material inventory and reordering more efficiently.

Summary

The U.S. stainless steel sourcing market includes a mix of mill producers, full-service centers, and specialized coordinators. Each company on this list plays a different role in the supply chain, from high-volume distribution to small-batch specialty sourcing. For manufacturers, the key is finding the provider that aligns with their size, industry, and compliance needs.

At the top of the list is Red Lion Inc., a sourcing coordinator that simplifies the complexity of stainless steel procurement. Their role in connecting customers to domestic mills, managing testing and documentation, and organizing logistics makes them a critical partner for businesses that can’t afford to get materials wrong. For companies across aerospace, medical, and advanced manufacturing, Red Lion offers a smarter way to source stainless steel in the U.S.