Business Details
50 Years
experience
Trusted Structural Steel Fabrication Services
Qualico Steel has been a trusted name in structural steel fabrication since 1976, built on a foundation of quality, safety, and customer-centric values. As a family-owned business with over 49 years of experience, we specialize in engineering, detailing, fabrication, and coating of structural steel for industrial markets. Our AISC-certified operations since 1986 reflect our commitment to excellence, supported by three state-of-the-art facilities in Alabama and Texas with a combined annual capacity of 35,000 tons. Our team of seasoned professionals leverages advanced technology and a behavior-based safety culture to deliver precision-crafted solutions on time. With 9 fabrication bays and 205,000 square feet of climate-controlled paint facilities, we handle projects of all sizes while maintaining rigorous quality assurance standards.Our engineers and detailers utilize Tekla and SDS/2 software to optimize designs, reducing costs and production times through proactive problem mitigation. Backed by a fleet of 200 GPS-tracked trailers, we maintain an impeccable on-time delivery record to keep client projects on schedule. Our NQA-1 experience and partnerships with leading detailing firms ensure we meet the most demanding industry requirements. From initial engineering to final delivery, we prioritize transparency, efficiency, and long-term relationships, serving diverse sectors including power, automotive, and government. This unwavering dedication to quality, safety, and service has solidified our reputation as a preferred partner in structural steel fabrication.
Services
Structural Steel Fabrication
Engineering & Detailing
Coating Services
Ductwork Fabrication
Pre-Engineered Design
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have over 49 years of experience in structural steel fabrication.
- Our AISC-certified facilities handle 35,000 tons of annual production capacity.
- We operate three state-of-the-art plants in Alabama and Texas.
- Our team uses Tekla and SDS/2 software for precise engineering solutions.
- We maintain a behavior-based safety program with OSHA compliance.
Associations and certifications
- AISC Certified
- NQA-1
Services
Structural Steel Fabrication
Our structural steel fabrication leverages state-of-the-art CNC equipment and AISC-certified processes to deliver precision components. With 35,000 tons of annual capacity across three facilities, we handle projects from medium to heavy industrial scales. Our team of expert fabricators ensures dimensional accuracy and adherence to strict quality standards through continuous inspection.
Engineering & Detailing
Our licensed engineers utilize Tekla and SDS/2 software for 3D modeling and shop drawings. This technology-driven approach enables efficient design solutions, connection engineering, and problem mitigation before fabrication begins. We provide importable BIM files and collaborate with leading detailing firms to meet complex project requirements.
Coating Services
We offer multi-coat paint systems in climate-controlled facilities with six open-top blast machines. Our segregated paint bays support 1-3 coat requirements, including galvanizing and fireproof coatings. The 205,000-square-foot indoor paint facilities ensure consistent application and protection against environmental factors during processing.
Ductwork Fabrication
Our ductwork fabrication includes custom designs for industrial HVAC systems. Using automated cutting and forming equipment, we produce components that meet ASHRAE standards. The process integrates with structural steel production to ensure compatibility and streamlined installation for complex projects.
Pre-Engineered Design
We specialize in pre-engineered steel buildings and hybrid designs that combine efficiency with structural integrity. Our solutions reduce construction timelines while maintaining compliance with industry codes. This service includes full design assistance from concept through fabrication for commercial and industrial applications.
People
John E. Downs
Owner - CEO
Founder of Qualico Steel since 1976, John E. Downs established the company's core values of quality, safety, and customer service. His leadership built a family-owned business into a major structural steel fabricator with three facilities and 500+ employees.
James E. Downs
President
As President, James E. Downs oversees daily operations and strategic growth. With decades of industry experience, he maintains the company's commitment to AISC-certified fabrication standards and customer-focused service while managing expansion initiatives.
David White
VP - Engineering & Technology
David White leads engineering and technology initiatives, ensuring cutting-edge solutions through Tekla and SDS/2 software integration. His team provides value-added design services that reduce project costs and improve fabrication efficiency for complex structural requirements.
Tate O'Connor
Executive VP - Production
Tate O'Connor manages production operations across all facilities, maintaining quality control and on-time delivery standards. With oversight of 500+ employees, he ensures efficient workflow from engineering to final coating processes.
Tonni Lynn Graves
Human Resource/Safety Director
Tonni Lynn Graves directs HR and safety programs, implementing OSHA-compliant training and behavior-based safety initiatives. She oversees employee development, benefits administration, and the company's light-duty program for injured workers.
Questions
What services does Qualico Steel offer?
We provide structural steel fabrication, engineering, detailing, coating, ductwork fabrication, and pre-engineered design solutions.
How long has Qualico Steel been in business?
Qualico Steel has served the industry for over 49 years since its founding in 1976.
Where are Qualico Steel's facilities located?
Our main facilities are in Webb and Montgomery, Alabama, and Midlothian, Texas.
Is Qualico Steel AISC-certified?
Yes, we have been AISC-certified since 1986 with paint endorsement.
What industries does Qualico Steel serve?
We work with power, manufacturing, chemical, automotive, industrial, civic, commercial, and government sectors.
How does Qualico Steel ensure on-time delivery?
We use 200 GPS-tracked trailers and maintain a 100% on-time delivery track record.
Reviews (1)
Preston Brooks
Jun 06, 2019
Report
Very disrespectful people. Called to get a price on steel and the lady transferred me, the guy who answered said that's warehouse job he's fabrication and hung up the phone! I called back and the lady answered and I explained the situation and she said she heard what he said he's right beside her and the told me she couldn't help me and hung up. Not sure how these people run a business being so disrespectful! I just wanted a simple price on steel tubing!
