Galvanizing Industry Statistics

Membership
78 galvanizing companies in North America  (126 plants)   
5 zinc producers/suppliers   
28 services/product suppliers   
22 galvanizing companies outside N. America  
Approximately 75% of industry capacity

Non-Members
Approximately 40 galvanizing companies in N. America  
Approximately 15% of industry capacity

Production
3.1 million tons of galvanized steel in 2006
1.9% average growth since 1997

Employees
Galvanizing operations - 8,000  
Zinc Suppliers - 10,000  
Service and product suppliers - 2,000

Markets Served
Utility, Agriculture, Construction, Bridge and Highway, Recreation (Stadiums)  
22% penetration in 2006

Products Galvanized
Structurals, fasteners, tubing, pipe, wire, nails, reinforcing steel, weldments, complex fabrications, guardrail, and posts

Ownership
Most galvanizing operations are privately held  
Sales range from $5 million to $50 million  
Most galvanizing operations do not take title to the steel they galvanize.  These operations are called "job" or "custom" galvanizers and they provide a service.

Competition
Paint, metalizing, concrete and composites

Galvanizing Process
1. Cleaning the steel in a hot caustic solution.  
2. Pickling in dilute hot sulfuric acid or ambient temperature hydrochloric solution.  
3. Fluxing in an aqueous solution of zinc-ammonium chloride.  
4. Immersing in a bath (kettle) of molten zinc.  
5. Inspection of material for consistent and thorough coating.    

AGA members represent approximately 80% of the industry, but 85% of capacity.  Non-members are primarily smaller galvanizers,  pipe, wire and fence companies, but consolidation has changed the face of the industry in the last 8 years. There are now several multi-plant public and private operators.