Yarde Metals, Inc.

Yarde Metals carries a multi-metal inventory specializing in aluminum, stainless, carbon steel and brass in a wide range of standard, unique and hard to find sizes. We don't just take orders; we develop partnerships with our customers. We listen to their changing needs and find solutions to help them compete. Yarde offers a variety of modern processing services to ensure quick turnarounds and fast deliveries.

Craig Yarde founded Yarde Metals Inc. in 1976 when he established a small office in the basement of his home in Bristol, Connecticut and began brokering metal over the phone with $1,000 from the sale of his motorcycle. The phones seldom rang and were usually answered by his wife or his three year old daughter, Tracy. Metal orders were picked up and delivered by family members in his station wagon. The following year Craig partnered with his brother, Bruce Yarde and moved into a small rented factory on South Street in Bristol, Connecticut. In 1986, Yarde moved to a 40,000 square foot facility on Horizon Drive in Bristol to accommodate the growing product lines, services and sales. In 1992, the company expanded with a 20,000 square foot addition.

Over the next 8 years Yarde continued to grow, opening branch locations in New York and Massachusetts. By 1996 Yarde had outgrown its home in Bristol and began leasing additional warehouse and office space in nearby Southington, Connecticut. The company continued to expand its footprint throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West over the next 4 years opening branch locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio by 2000.

In 2001 a decision was made to consolidate its Connecticut operations by purchasing and renovating the leased space in Southington. While construction was underway in Connecticut, the company further expanded with the addition of a branch in North Carolina. The Connecticut renovation was completed in May of 2003 resulting in a 500,000 square facility that is more like a museum than a distribution warehouse. Its unique style supports Craig's out-of-the-box business philosophy that has been an integral part of Yarde Metals' success.

Yarde Metals was acquired by Reliance Steel and Aluminum in August of 2006. Craig's daughter, Tracy Yarde Smith, successfully led the company through the transition from a private to a public company from 2006 through 2008. Today, Yarde Metals continues the traditions and philosophies of the Yarde family under the leadership of Matt Smith, President & COO.