tUBE sUPPLY hISTORY

PARTNERSHIP with triple-s steel

Back in the 1980’s there were two small, family-owned steel distributors among the many giants in Houston: Triple-S Steel, founded by Bruce Stein in 1960, and Tube Supply, co-founded by Paul Sorensen in 1986.  

Triple-S specialized in selling small quantities of new and surplus structural steel to small fabrication shops and independent welders, among others, while Tube Supply was carving out a niche selling premium, high-quality bars and tubing to the energy industry.

Over time, both companies grew in size, quality, product reach and geographic locations.  The owners of both companies survived, and even thrived, through the vicious cycles of the energy and steel industries. In 2011, the owners of Tube Supply received the proverbial "offer they couldn't refuse" and the company was sold to a larger company.

THE NEW TUBE SUPPLY

In early 2016, Paul Sorensen had the opportunity to buy back Tube Supply.  From a stairwell in west Houston, with his cellphone in one hand and his laptop in another, he described the situation to his business partner Gary Stein. Literally, within moments, the new Tube Supply was born. In classic Texas fashion, the deal was done "on a handshake."  In many ways, that short phone call represents what you can expect from the new Tube Supply.

- Our word is our bond
- We will put our resources at your disposal
- We will treat you fairly and with honesty and integrity

The new Tube Supply combines the quality, expertise and service you have come to know from Paul and his team with the resources and capabilities of Triple-S. 

Together, Tube Supply and Triple-S Steel have over 2,000 colleagues, 50 facilities, and 200,000 tons of inventory ready to help you, our customer and friend, to achieve your goals.