March 23, 2009 (Houston, Texas) – Houston Council Member Mike Sullivan received a positive reception during a recent tour and business overview of the Mobil Steel International, Inc. steel fabrication plant. Mobil Steel management and employees expressed appreciation to the council member for his efforts to repair area roads and his general support of small business. They also demonstrated a new Peddinghaus drill purchased in December to position Mobil Steel as a viable and reliable fabrication source to meet industry requirements.

Leonard A.Bedell, President & CEO of Mobil Steel, said he and other businesses in the area were concerned with roadway safety for employees, suppliers and customers, as well as residents who live nearby. “During a neighborhood meeting, Mike Sullivan said he would address the road safety issue,” Bedell said. “Mike saw to it that the city took action. We appreciate that kind of assistance from our council member.”

Bedell believes that Sullivan’s experience as a small business owner gives the council member a unique perspective in managing District E city business. “As a small business owner himself, Mike knows how to manage a budget and set priorities, and he understands our issues and challenges. He knows business is tough in today’s climate. He values businesses and employees who are safely and productively performing jobs that contribute to the local economy.”

Mobil Steel serviced a record number of customer projects at its plant in 2008, and in the face of tough economic times, invested in a new Peddinghaus drill/cutting machine that provides more effective steel fabrication and efficient customer service. “Even in the face of an uncertain and turbulent market, we are continuing to invest and to meet our customers’ needs,” Bedell said. “I believe the council member appreciates our aggressive commitment to investing for future work, just as we appreciate his action to improve roads to get our products, employees and customers safely to our plant.”

Mobil Steel fabricates steel used in the commercial and industrial fields, including the petroleum, petrochemical, power generation and other industrial and commercial industries. Mobil Steel’s South Wayside facility in Houston has a production capacity of 1,100 tons per month in its 80,000 square feet of plant facilities under roof, providing flexibility to manage multiple projects. The 8.5-acre site is located within major freeway access to the refining and petrochemical complex in Harris and Galveston counties.

Mobil Steel, celebrating its 40th year in the steel fabrication business, is one of only a handful of Houston steel fabricators certified by the American Institute of Steel Construction, having met the strict requirements of the AISC Certification Program. As a member of AISC, Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors, and American Welding Society, Mobil Steel qualifies to appear on essential industrial and commercial bid lists within the industry.