About Target Steel Industries

Target Steel Industries is more than a steel service center—it’s a testament to the American dream, built on grit, innovation, and family values. Founded in 1988, we’ve grown from a single visionary’s bold leap into a thriving network of companies delivering exceptional metal processing, distribution, and logistics solutions across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With a focus on quality, precision, and customer satisfaction, Target Steel Industries stands as a leader in the steel industry, encompassing Target Steel, Target Metal Blanking, Torch Steel Sales, Torch Steel Processing, SST Trucking, Target Metal Storage, and Target Laboratories.
 

Our Founding Story

Established in 1988 by Valentino Simone, Target Steel began with a remarkable story of courage and determination. Armed with just $300.00 and an unrelenting entrepreneurial spirit, Valentino risked everything to pursue his vision of a steel service center that would redefine industry standards. Born from humble beginnings, his journey reflects the essence of the American dream—turning a modest investment into a legacy of success through hard work and ingenuity. A year later, in 1989, Valentino welcomed his brother Michael Simone into the fold, a partnership that would prove transformative. To Michael, Valentino was more than a brother; he was a father figure, offering guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support as they built the company together. Valentino’s mentorship shaped Michael’s approach, instilling a blend of resilience and ambition that became the bedrock of Target Steel’s culture.
 
Michael’s role in growing Target Steel cannot be overstated—he has been integral to its rise from a fledgling operation to a national leader. Joining in 1989, Michael brought not only a shared passion but also a keen business acumen that complemented Valentino’s vision. While Valentino laid the groundwork with his bold risk-taking, Michael drove operational expansion, forging key relationships with suppliers and customers. His hands-on leadership helped establish the company’s reputation for reliability, navigating early challenges like market fluctuations and competition with a steady hand. Together, the Simone brothers transformed a small family company, into a thriving enterprise, setting the stage for what would become Target Steel Industries—a powerhouse recognized as one of Metal Center News’ Top 50 Steel Service Centers in North America.
 

Our History and Growth

From its inception as a steel service center focused on metals distribution and processing, Target Steel has evolved into Target Steel Industries—a dynamic family of companies serving diverse needs in the metals supply chain. Over 36 years, we’ve expanded our footprint to seven state-of-the-art facilities across Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, totaling 1,000,000 square feet and employing nearly 500 dedicated professionals. Our growth is fueled by significant investments into our business and people.
 
Our subsidiaries form a comprehensive ecosystem:
 

• Target Steel: The cornerstone of our operations, headquartered in Flat Rock, Michigan, with additional sites in Gibraltar and Riverview.
• Target Metal Blanking: A precision blanking leader with headquarters in Sauk Village, Illinois, and facilities in New Boston, Michigan, and North Vernon, Indiana.
• Torch Steel Sales: A WBENC-certified metals distribution company, with a customer-first approach, enhancing our diversity and reach.
• Torch Steel Processing: A toll processor in Detroit’s industrial core specializing in slitting and slearing.
• SST Trucking: Our logistics arm, operating 25 late-model Conestoga flatbed trailers with satellite tracking, hauling metal across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reducing transportation costs with rail support from CN and CSX at four locations (Flat Rock, Sauk Village, New Boston, North Vernon).
• Target Metal Storage: Based in Sauk Village, offering climate-controlled warehousing company.
• Target Laboratories: An A2LA-accredited lab located  in Flat Rock MI, providing Rockwell Hardness (6 scales), ASTM/JIS/DIN YTE, R-Val & N-Val, and coating weight testing, with daily sample pickups.

Our quality commitment is certified by IATF 16949, ISO 9001:2015 standards, earning us accolades like AMM’s Automotive Supplier of the Year Finalist (2019-2021), Service Center of the Year Finalist (2019-2021), and Acquisition of the Year Winner (2021). In 2023, Valentino Simone was named ASD Steel Executive of the Year, and Heather Malone received the Most Valuable Professional award, while MichBusiness honored us as a Manufacturing Marvels winner.
 

Continuing the Tradition

The legacy of Target Steel Industries is a family affair, rooted in the vision of founders Valentino and Michael Simone and carried forward by the next generation. Valentino’s children, Cristina Simone and Valentino Simone Jr., along with Michael’s children, Matthew Simone and Mikey Simone, play integral roles in steering the company into the future. Raised with the same values of honesty, integrity, and determination that defined their fathers’ journey, they bring fresh perspectives to an ever-evolving industry.

This generational continuity keeps Target Steel Industries a dependable partner, serving customers for over 34 years with a wide range of metal processing capabilities and strong ties. The Simone family drives the company forward, blending tradition with a forward-thinking approach—not just through investments in employees, equipment, facilities, and technology, but also by fostering a culture of growth and opportunity. They believe in supporting and developing their people, a principle exemplified by CEO Heather Malone, who started in 2007 and rose through the ranks to lead Target Steel. Her journey to shaping the company’s future reflects the family’s commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding dedication. These efforts ensure we deliver exceptional service across our markets, building on our legacy of financial strength and customer commitment.

From a $300 dream in 1988 to an almost billion dollar enterprise today, Target Steel Industries stands as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and family-driven excellence. What began with Valentino and Michael Simone has grown into a legacy carried forward by their children and a team built on opportunity—like CEO Heather Malone’s rise to leadership. With seven facilities, cutting-edge capabilities, and a passion for exceeding expectations, we invite you to join us as we continue to shape the future of metals—delivering strength, precision, and trust to every partnership.