Ralph Bannister founded Bannister Steel, Inc. in 1954, utilizing only a pickup truck, a portable welder and his own desire to succeed. He built was is now the oldest and largest steel fabricator in the San Diego area, located on seven acres on National City, California. After Ralph Bannister's death in 1995, key employees including Ted acquired Bannister Steel, Inc. Rossin, President and Jeff Clinkscales, Vice president. The proximity of the facility to highways and also direct rail service has given Bannister Steel, Inc. a significant advantage over its competition in both the receiving of raw materials and the shipping of finished product. Involvement in several high profile projects in the San Diego area stand as evidence of the company's impressive capabilities. They include the downtown Horton Plaza shopping center and the grandstands at the Del Mar Racetrack. Other significant projects include The Hahn Towers in the Golden Triangle, five San Diego trolley bridges located from downtown San Diego to the Mexican border, the new Airport tower at Lindbergh Field, numerous buildings for Qualcomm and others among the flourishing high-tech industries. On October 15, 1998, Schuff Steel of Phoenix, Arizona purchased Bannister Steel, Inc. with the intent that current management would continue controlling operations for at least five years. Schuff Steel, a publicly owned company, is one of the leading steel fabricators in the country and produces steel for projects worldwide. With the backing of Schuff Steel, Bannister Steel, Inc. looks forward to continued growth and playing an important role in the San Diego and southern California industry in the 21st century.
