With Cleveland as our home since 1913, we’ve remained rooted in old-school integrity, beliefs and values, growing our business by working hard and being honest. Today, we are still growing and innovating and working as hard as we ever have to continue that tradition of being a valued partner. We see ourselves having the scale to be cost-competitive, the agility to out-compete other producers, and the insight to find new solutions to old problems. We’re proving our worth to our clients, and the industry, every day.
A Century
OF PROGRESS
Since 1913, Federal Metal has been an industry leader in high quality copper-based cast alloys.
"My sister and I love carrying on our family’s proud history in this company. But we know our customers and suppliers will only do business with us if we provide value to them as a trusted partner. That’s why we work so hard, continue to innovate, and regularly reinvest in the company."
—Peter Nagusky, President
More Than 100 Years Old,
And Still in Startup Mode.
The Federal Metal Timeline
Our company began in 1913 when Joseph Nagusky had a vision for metal-making excellence. By instilling his example of principled hard work, Federal Metal has endured two world wars, the Great Depression, the Great Recession and numerous commodity market collapses. Today, we are thriving on the foundation of our past and our relentless pursuit of industry leadership and innovation as we aim to truly change the way the metal business is conducted.
1913: Federal Metal Founded in Cleveland
Joseph Nagusky vertically integrates, turning his new non-ferrous peddler business into an ingot-making operation.
1930: Second Generation
Twenty-year-old Mark Nagusky, having recently graduated from Harvard, starts an illustrious career that would span more than 60 years.
1959: The Big Move
Federal Metal moves into its present location in Oakwood Village, a suburb southeast of Cleveland.
1973: Third Generation
David Nagusky, after nine successful years as a stockbroker, starts his impressive 45-year career at Federal Metal.
1980: The Start of Scrap
Our non-ferrous scrap trading and brokerage division is established.
1992: New Equipment
The installation of two state-of-the-art induction furnaces expands production capacity and capabilities.
1990: Innovative Breakthrough
Federalloy group of bismuth brass alloys are invented to eliminate lead from cast brass and bronze alloys without sacrificing mechanical properties. The company receives patents and grants several licensees.
Industry Leadership
David Nagusky begins his term as president of the Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society (NFFS).
1997: Fourth Generation
Peter Nagusky, after graduating with a masters degree in business, begins his career at Federal Metal.
More Innovation
Fingot, Federal Metal’s foundry-friendly ingot, is introduced and quickly becomes the industry standard for clean, 100% metallic, oxide free ingot.
2007: Expanding the Family Business
Another fourth-generation family member, Karen Calo (David’s daughter and Peter’s sister), joins the company to implement new ERP software and streamline accounting.
More Honors
Surpassing $100 million in sales, Federal Metal is named the #1 Centurion in the Weatherhead 100 rankings of the fastest growing companies in Northeast Ohio.
2010: Union Free
After more than 45 years of collective bargaining agreements with the United Steelworkers, the company withdraws recognition of the union and begins the ‘One Team One Goal’ era.
Continued Growth
For the sixth time in seven years, Federal Metal is named a Weatherhead 100 company in recognition of the fastest growing businesses in Northeast Ohio.
2019: Outstanding Teamwork
For the second time in eight years, Federal Metal is named a Cleveland Plain Dealer Top Workplace in an eleven-county region, based on employee surveys.
2019: Fifth Generation
Ryan Calo, great-great-grandson of founder Joseph Nagusky, joins the company as a metal trader and route buyer to serve local accounts.
2020: More Innovation
With its most significant capital investment in a generation, Federal Metal commissions new equipment and a proprietary process to provide high-purity PSA™ (pre-melt specification) aluminum products to mills and foundries.