Chesapeake Bay Steel

Chesapeake Bay Steel, Inc. is here today due to two companies who were both founded to provide their customers with quality steel products and services with a team management approach for all projects. Three individuals who knew if they could work hard for other people they could just as well do it for themselves formed the first company, Chesapeake Steel, Inc. in 1962. Throughout the sixties, seventies, eighties and the early nineties, there would be several individuals who became owners of Chesapeake Steel, Inc., the last owner being Kenneth Johnson. The second company was Bay Area Steel, Inc. BASI was established in January 1989. Ron Baskins had the reputation and the experience in the industry (once an employee of Chesapeake Steel, Inc.) to become a major competitor of the older firms, even in the nineties when it was termed as "a recession". It was Ron's goal and vision that made him become a dominant force in the industry. Both companies knew they could benefit from the other and in April 1994, Chesapeake Bay Steel, Inc. was formed. Ron and Ken knew that by combining the companies, they would not only benefit financially but also become even a bigger competitor in the construction industry. In June 2000 Ken retired and Ira Armstrong acquired his interest. Ira brings a strong financial background to the company and compliments Ron's experience and knowledge.