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1842 — Joseph T. Ryerson opens his iron store along the banks of the Chicago River.

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1871 — The Great Chicago Fire leaves Mr. Ryerson’s warehouse in ruins, but he immediately reopens in temporary quarters and rebuilds his iron store.

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1903 — The Ford Motor Company is founded in Detroit. Joseph T. Ryerson II, sent to check its credit, reports “in my opinion, it would be perfectly safe to extend regular credit.”

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1908 — Ryerson moves to facilities at 16th and Rockwell in Chicago, a plant that would remain in use until 2011.

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1909 — Ryerson opens a warehouse in New York, marking the first time the business moves outside of Chicago.

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1911 — As the use of alloy steel grows with new railroad, automotive and machinery requirements, Ryerson makes its first offering of alloy stocks.

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1926 — Ryerson adds stocks of stainless steel only two years after the new metal’s first commercial production. Stainless goes on to become one of Ryerson’s main product offerings.

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1935 — Ryerson merges with Inland Steel Company. For the next six decades, Ryerson will focus on distribution, and Inland will serve as the manufacturing arm of the company.

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1937 — With buyers becoming more quality conscious, Ryerson’s Certified Steel Plan sets new standards for the service center industry.

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1946 — The company opens its first West Coast plant in Los Angeles, bringing the number of service centers to twelve.

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1955 — Ryerson adds its first full stocks of aluminum.

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1957 — Ryerson publishes an Equal Opportunity Policy before it is legally required or common corporate practice.

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1967 — Ryerson’s 125th anniversary. The company is now the nation’s leading supplier of steel from stock and largest aluminum distributor. This same year, the company acquires Federal Steel Corporation.

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1984 — The company achieves its first billion-dollar sales year. Ryerson also adds nickel alloys to its product line.

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1986 — With the acquisition of Atlanta-based J.M. Tull Metals, Ryerson greatly expands its presence and capabilities in the Southern United States.

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1996 — The company changes its name to Ryerson Tull and makes an IPO of 13 percent of its shares on the NYSE.

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2005 — Ryerson Tull acquires Integris Metals, the fourth largest metals service center in North America, and changes its name to Ryerson.

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2006 — Global growth continues with the acquisition of Van Shung Chong Holdings Ryerson China Limited is formed, with facilities in Dongguan, Guangzhou and Tianjin.

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2007 — Ryerson is acquired by Platinum Equity, ushering in a new era of entrepreneurship and growth.

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2010 — Ryerson enters Mexico as Ryerson Metals de Mexico and becomes 100% shareholder of Ryerson China Limited.