Companies

 

The SME Industries Family of Companies

 

SME Industries is a leading fabricator and erector of specialized steel structures and components, serving regional, national, and international markets.

We offer a comprehensive range of products and services, including the supply and erection of structural steel, Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs), special moment frame systems, miscellaneous metals, high-quality paint and coatings, and custom fabrication of ornamental metals such as stainless steel, bronze, and other non-ferrous materials. 

Renowned for our precision and exceptional customer service, SME Steel provides a design-assist program powered by advanced software. This program delivers significant cost savings and makes us a trusted partner for developers, general contractors, architects, and engineers.

Our state-of-the-art fabrication facilities ensure top-tier quality and on-time delivery. With a production capacity of up to 100,000 tons annually, we always meet or exceed project schedules.

Southwest Steel is a premier fabricator and erector specializing in structural steel, miscellaneous metals, steel stairs, railings, and high-quality custom ornamental metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, and brass. We also craft unique, custom steel pieces to meet a wide range of project needs—from standard building requirements to one-of-a-kind designs.

With extensive expertise in both conventional construction methods and design-build applications, Southwest Steel has established itself as an industry leader. Our experience spans diverse projects, including large-scale stadiums, hotels, casinos, hospitals (OSHPD), office buildings, courthouses, military facilities, and more. This depth of knowledge makes us one of the most sought-after steel fabricators and erectors in the industry.

Utilizing cutting-edge shop technology, Southwest Steel seamlessly integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) with state-of-the-art CNC machinery to deliver precise and efficient products. Our commitment to quality is reinforced by a rigorous QA/QC program, ensuring excellence in every phase of the project, from inception to completion.

With two AISC, Los Angeles County, and Clark County certified fabrication facilities—one in Las Vegas, Nevada, and another in Phoenix, Arizona—Southwest Steel is equipped to handle projects of any scale with unmatched precision and reliability.

 

CoreBrace™, LLC is a leading manufacturer of Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs), delivering innovative seismic solutions since 2002. BRBs are structural elements designed to absorb and dissipate energy during seismic events, significantly enhancing a building’s performance during earthquakes. As a cost-effective system for seismic risk mitigation, BRB frames have been successfully implemented in hundreds of structures worldwide.

CoreBrace™ holds multiple U.S. patents for its advanced BRB technology. Independent testing confirms that CoreBrace™ BRBs not only meet but exceed the latest building code requirements, demonstrating exceptional durability through multiple cycles of high seismic activity while maintaining integrity and stability.

To meet the unique needs of each project, CoreBrace™ offers a variety of BRB configurations, including square, rectangular, and round casings, along with four qualified connection types. This flexibility allows seamless integration into a wide range of geometric, aesthetic, and construction requirements.

By utilizing CoreBrace™ BRBs, projects benefit from reduced frame member sizes, lighter structural steel weight, and smaller foundations. Additionally, the easy installation process minimizes erection time, resulting in significant cost savings.

Backed by a team of highly trained professionals committed to excellence, CoreBrace™ delivers BRBs of the highest quality—offering superior seismic performance and cost-effective solutions for the built environment.

  

DuraFuse Frames delivers an innovative moment frame system designed to protect beams and columns during seismic and wind events. Featuring a shear-yielding, replaceable fuse plate connection, DuraFuse Frames offer a simple, fast-to-install, and cost-effective solution for structural resilience.  

As the most versatile Special Moment Frame (SMF) and Intermediate Moment Frame (IMF) system on the market, DuraFuse Frames provide an ideal solution for all building types across all seismic design categories. Fully compliant with AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 341) and approved under IAPMO UES ER 610, including IBC, 2019 CBC, and LA Supplement, this system delivers significant benefits. Advantages include overall cost savings, elimination of seismic bracing, reduced protected zones, larger open spaces, and exceptional resilience and fragility performance—all while optimizing fabrication and erection efficiency.  

Extensively tested at UCSD across a broad range of beam and column geometries, DuraFuse Frames have demonstrated superior seismic performance. Now integrated into Bentley RAM, SP3, and CSi ETABS, the system also features plug-in modules for Tekla, Autodesk Revit, and SDS2, ensuring seamless modeling and detailing.  

A strong foundation starts with the right structural solutions. DuraFuse Frames are engineered to meet the demands of any project, helping you achieve optimal performance and long-term success. Let us support your vision with innovative and reliable moment frame technology.

 

SME Logistics, established in the fall of 2018, is a specialized flatbed-heavy haul trucking company and brokerage. Starting with a fleet of four flatbed trucks, the company has expanded to 18 trucks, serving clients such as CoreBrace, SME Steel Contractors, and various external customers.

In 2022, SME Logistics achieved significant milestones, delivering 3,208 loads, transporting 136,793,600 pounds of freight, and covering 1,723,454 miles. Additionally, they brokered 631 loads to external carriers.

Services and Capabilities:

  • Density: Expertise in transporting large and heavy components essential for project success, including structural steel, miscellaneous metals, ornamental metals, construction equipment, and supplies.

  • Dimension: Utilizing optimal truck and trailer combinations, such as heavy haul trucks, 53-foot quad-axle trailers, and 48-foot spread axle trailers, with a maximum capacity of 105,000 pounds.

  • Destination: Emphasizing safety-driven planning, SME Logistics ensures meticulous route optimization and strict adherence to safety protocols.

  • Dedication: The team thrives on complex challenges, offering innovative solutions tailored to client needs.

SME Logistics operates as a subsidiary of SME Industries, Inc., aligning with sister companies like SME Steel Contractors, CoreBrace, and Southwest Steel.

The company's core values focus on building enduring relationships, maintaining integrity in contracts, upholding high-quality standards, and ensuring responsiveness and accessibility in all operations. Their mission emphasizes exceptional performance from project inception to completion, fostering a positive work environment that values hard work, accountability, innovation, integrity, and transparency.