Our History

Founded over 60 years ago, Ford Tool Steels, Inc. has grown to become one of the largest independently owned tool steel distributors in the Midwest. As our timeline shows, this did not happen by accident. It has taken years of hard work, dedicated employees and dedicated customers to help build what we are today.

1945 - In a former horse stable on North Broadway, in St. Louis, Missouri, John and Flynn Ford opened Ford Steel Company as a distributor of Bethlehems tool steels.

1950 - With the tool steel line growing and also picking up the manganese steel business for the mining, logging, and crushed stone industry, John and Flynn moved their business and their employees to their newly constructed offices and warehouse on Pattison Avenue.

1966 - Another bay was added on to complete the growth that stands today.

1967 - John and Flynn Ford retired and sold the business to Ken Semmel who was secretary-treasurer of Ford Steel and Lou Malpocker who was the tool steels manager.

1971 - As both companies continued to grow, the Ford Steel Company group built a new facility and moved to Maryland Heights, Missouri. With the entire building at their disposal, Ford Tool Steels installed their first of five plate saws currently in operation. Also installed was the first of three grinding machines.

1976 - Ownership of the company transferred hands. Bob Slattery and Gary Heien Sr. purchased Ford as Ken Semmel and Lou Malpocker remained on as consultants. Bob started with Ford in 1951 and was serving as the Secretary-Treasurer at the time while Gary began his tenure in 1966 and was the sales manager.

1995 - As Bob Slattery closed out his career in the tool steel industry, Gary Heien Sr. became sole owner of the company.

2003 - To begin his enjoyment of the retired life, in October, Gary Heien Sr. sold the company to his son Gary Heien Jr.. Gary Jr. has been with Ford since 1982 and has served in almost every capacity from warehouseman to president along the way.

Today - Currently with 21 employees and customers in as many as 22 states, Ford maintains approximately 2,000,000 lbs. of tool steel inventory.