Theis Building In Operation Again After Being Bought By Combined Metals

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

November 2, 2021

The former Theis Precision steel tower facility, at 340 Broad St., will soon begin operating once more as Combined Metals, a Chicago-based distributor and processor of specialty metals has purchased the location.

The location is looking to move into action with 10 to 20 employees and aims to add a second shift next year.

“The acquisition of the Theis Precision Steel assets in Bristol, CT expands Combined Metals’ precision stainless rolling capabilities and solidifies our position as the largest independent processor and distributor of precision flat-rolled products for high performance applications,” said President of Combined Metals Dr. Jeffery D. Nystrom.

Combined Metals’ multi-story tower rests between the Pequabuck River and Broad Street. Added in 1996, the 150-foot tower will be utilized for vertical annealing.

“It is encouraging to watch the property being re-energized by a well-established company with the capability to maintain the site’s legacy as a steel operating plant,” said Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu. “One of the City’s primary concerns at the time of the plant’s closure was working with the skilled employees that were suddenly out of work. We are happy that seven local employees have been hired as part of Combined Metals’ new operation.”

Combined Metals is well-respected in the specialty strip and wire industry, and the City of Bristol is excited to begin what should be a long-term and productive relationship of supporting the company’s growth,” said Bristol Executive Director of Economic and Community Development Justin Malley.

Combined Metals calls itself the largest distributor and independent processor of precision flat roll and wire in North America for high performance applications. With its services centers and processing mills, it provides services for over 2,500 clients in automotive, chemical processing, consumer, defense, electronics, medical, power generation, aerospace, oil/gas industries and more.