About Us

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Our History

Villacero was founded in 1955, by Pablo Villarreal, as a supplier of high quality steel products for the construction and manufacturing industries. After successfully becoming a leading steel distributing company in Mexico, Villacero expanded its operations to offer steel manufacturing services.

During the late 80's, once it had achieved the leadership in distribution of steel products in Mexico, Villacero implemented the first steps of its expansion strategy beyond the Mexican border, taking advantage of its proximity to the State of Texas.

In the early 90's Villacero entered into the steel manufacturing sector by acquiring tube and pipe manufacturing companies, an integrated rebar and wire rod producer located in the Pacific Coast of Mexico and several rolling mills. Additional drawing mills and steel sheet galvanizing plants were added to form a leading steel company in Mexico.

In order to take advantage of the opportunities for continued growth in the international markets, the organization formed a network of steel distributors in different countries and set up companies specialized in international trade.

Manufacturing of tube and pipe and steel making operations were incorporated to Villacero's businesses outside Mexico. An international steel trading company was added to the portfolio of companies in order to further enhance distribution of Villacero products.

In 2006, Villacero entered into an agreement with Arcelor Mittal to establish a strategic alliance for the sale and distribution of long products in Mexico. The company also announced the divestiture of its interests in the minning and long steel production businesses.

Today, Villacero is strategically located throughout Mexico and the World to readily meet the specialized needs of our customers.

 

1955

Distribution

Villacero started operations as a distributor of flat steel products in Monterrey, Mexico.

 

1970's

Steel Servicing

Aiming to supply value-added products, the company extended its activities and started offering steel processing services.

 

1986

Commercialization in North America

Villacero's incursion into the US and Canada markets initiated in 1986, through S&P Steel Products & Services. In 1989, Best Border Cargo was inaugurated as a warehouse for merchandise in transit in Laredo, Texas. Currently, this company offers management, logistics and operation services to S&P Steel Products and other Villacero's distribution centers in the US.

 

1988

Steel Products Manufacturing

The company acquired Tubería Nacional (TUNA), a producer of welded tube and pipe. TUNA was the first manufacturing plant of Villacero.

 

1991

Villacero acquires Sicartsa

Villacero entered into the steel making business through the acquisition of Sicartsa in 1991. After this acquisition, the company managed to increase operational efficiencies and took advantage of the distribution network already in place. In 1997 a modernization investment plan went into effect. The Blast Furnace was relined utilizing the most modern steel technology and the company increased its steel making capacity by acquiring a Cupola Furnace, allowing Sicartsa to use scrap as a raw material, and therefore strengthening the company's production flexibility.

 

1993

Galvanizing Facilities

Flat galvanized steel products were added to Villacero product mix through the start-up of Zincacero in 1993. Four years later, a steel strip producer, was acquired.

 

1994

US Tube and Pipe Operations

Villacero acquired Tex-Tube, a Houston based company that has provided the US market with high-quality welded tubing since 1945.

 

 

1994-2000

Rebar Rolling Mills Network

In 1994, Villacero purchased Camsa, a rebar producer and distributor, located near Mexico City. In 1998, Villacero acquired Metaver, a rebar mini mill producer, located in the Mexican Gulf Coast. Sibasa, a rebar producer located in the central part of Mexico, started operations in 2000.

 

1996-1999

Drawing facilities

In 1996 Viga Trefilados, a drawn products manufacturer located in the Pacific Coast, started operations. Wire rod products penetration was further bolstered in the Gulf Coast market in 1999 through the acquisition of Temple, a wire products manufacturer located in Veracruz, Mexico.

 

1997

US Steel Making Operations

The Company purchased Border Steel, a mini-mill based in El Paso, Texas, that manufactures rebar and grinding balls for both domestic and international markets.

 

1999

Global Trading

Aware of the need to expand globally, in 1999 Villacero entered into a partnership with Coutinho Caro and Co., in order to jointly establish a trading company specialized in the global marketing and handling of steel products, CCC Steel.



2006

Distribution of rebar in the US

In November 2006, Villacero completed the acquisition of a major stake, in conjunction with Coutinho & Ferrostaal, in Adelphia Metals, the third largest independent distributor of rebar in the U.S.  



2007

Strategic Alliance with Arcerlor Mittal

Villacero established a strategic alliance with Arcelor Mittal, including the formation of a commercial joint venture for the sale and distribution of rebar, wire rod, merchant bars and other long products in Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. In connection with this transaction, the company also agreed to divest to Arcelor Mittal 100% of its equity interests in Sicartsa and its subsidiaries and Border Steel.


2008

Expansion of global trading

On January 1, 2008, Villacero in conjunction with MPC Group joined forces with Ferrostaal Metals Group to create Coutinho & Ferrostaal, a worldwide leading independent steel trading company with offices in 30 countries.
This joint-venture trades steel products and raw materials around the world, providing Villacero with a worldwide presence.



2009

Synergies and diversification

In March 2009, Villacero became a shareholder of MPC Münchmeyer Petersen & Co. GmbH (MPC Holding), a German company oriented to provide financial, procurement and logistic services to the steel sector, ship-vessel industry and infrastructure projects worldwide. With this step, Villacero takes advantage of significant synergies to capitalize on its steel-related businesses.




Today

Mexico's leading steel marketing and distribution company

Through a series of long term supply agreements with Arcelor Mittal for the provision of long and flat steel products to Villacero's service centers and wire and tube processing facilities, the company consolidates its position as the leader distributor of steel products in Mexico.