Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Steel Supplier & Metal Recycling Partner in Eastern Montana
Border Steel & Recycling has been a trusted provider of steel products and metal recycling services since 1985. Our family-owned business prioritizes customer satisfaction through quality products, innovative CNC fabrication, and comprehensive scrap metal solutions. With five locations across Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota, we serve diverse industries including oil & gas, construction, and agriculture. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is demonstrated through metal recycling initiatives that transform scrap into new resources. We invest in community development by supporting local schools, 4-H chapters, and emergency services, reflecting our belief that customer relationships form the foundation of our success.Our team combines decades of industry experience with technical expertise in steel fabrication, rebar processing, and hardware supply. By maintaining extensive inventory of structural steel, culverts, and septic systems, we ensure timely project completion for commercial and residential clients. Our operational philosophy emphasizes efficiency through advanced equipment like CNC machines, ironworkers, and band saws. Community partnerships extend to on-site scrap pickup and bin services that benefit businesses and farms. As third-generation industry professionals, we uphold standards of integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement established by founder William 'Wild Bill' Smelser.
Services
Steel sales
Metal recycling
CNC services
Scrap pickup
Rebar processing
Culvert supply
Septic tanks
Farm hardware
Pipe cutting
Welding supplies
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Family-owned business operating since 1985 with five regional locations
- Full-service steel supplier with CNC fabrication capabilities
- Environmental commitment through comprehensive metal recycling programs
- Specialized equipment for rebar bending, plate cutting, and structural steel fabrication
- Community investment through local 4-H, school, and emergency service support
Services
Steel Sales
We offer comprehensive steel product sales including structural beams, tubing, plates, and specialized components. Our inventory supports construction, energy, and industrial projects with immediate availability of standard and custom-cut materials. Experienced staff ensures proper material selection for load-bearing requirements and environmental conditions.
Metal Recycling
Our metal recycling services convert ferrous and non-ferrous scrap into reusable resources. We accept prepared/unprepared materials, vehicles, and industrial waste through convenient drop-off or scheduled pickup. Processing includes sorting, baling, and preparing materials to meet industry specifications for remanufacturing.
CNC Services
Computer numerical control machining provides accurate cutting, punching, and shaping of steel components. Capabilities include plasma cutting, ironworker operations, and brake forming to meet exact project specifications. This technology enables complex fabrication for structural elements and custom machinery parts.
Scrap Pickup
We provide scheduled scrap metal collection services for agricultural, industrial, and construction sites. Our fleet handles large-scale cleanups including farm equipment, bridge demolition, and vehicle salvage operations. Container solutions include roll-off bins and bulk transport for efficient material recovery.
Rebar Processing
Full-service rebar handling includes cutting, bending, and assembly for construction projects. We supply standard and custom-fabricated rebar grids that meet structural engineering requirements. Services support both small-scale residential work and large commercial developments with timely delivery.
People
Bret Smelser
President
Third-generation steel industry leader with over 30 years of operational experience. Oversees daily operations and strategic growth while maintaining family commitment to customer service excellence established by founder William Smelser.
William Smelser
Founder
Visionary founder who established Border Steel in 1985. Built company reputation for integrity and service excellence through 30+ years of leadership before passing in 2018. Legacy continues through family-operated business principles.
Tim Mulholland
Vice President
Senior management team member responsible for operational efficiency and service expansion. Brings extensive industry knowledge to support growth while maintaining focus on customer satisfaction and community partnerships.
Questions
What steel products do you stock?
We carry structural beams, tubing, plates, rebar, culverts, and metal roofing. Inventory includes standard sizes and specialty items for construction, energy, and agricultural applications.
Do you offer fabrication services?
Yes, our CNC machines, ironworkers, and plasma cutters provide custom steel fabrication including cutting, punching, bending, and assembly to project specifications.
What recycling services are available?
We process ferrous/non-ferrous metals, vehicles, and industrial scrap. Services include on-site pickup, roll-off bins, and tin baling for agricultural and commercial clients.
Which areas do you serve?
We operate in Eastern Montana (Plentywood, Sidney, Glendive, Miles City) and Western North Dakota (Williston) with delivery and pickup services across these regions.
Are you open to the public?
We primarily serve commercial clients but welcome inquiries from residential customers needing steel products or recycling services during regular business hours.