ISW - Industrial Steel & Wire Co.
Metal wire
Company Overview and Heritage
Industrial Steel & Wire (ISW) is a third-generation, family-owned and operated wire distributor, celebrating 90 years of service in 2025. Established in 1935 by Dr. Harry Furlong in Chicago, the company has grown from a small venture into a trusted leader in the steel and wire industry across North America. ISW's legacy is built on a 'Customers First' philosophy, emphasizing exceptional service, quality materials, and competitive pricing. With a culture focused on responsiveness, ISW operates six strategically located service centers throughout North America, including the USA, Canada, and Mexico, boasting over 400,000 square feet of warehouse space to meet diverse customer needs.
Products and Technical Capabilities
ISW offers an extensive portfolio of carbon, stainless, and non-ferrous wire products, catering to a wide array of industrial applications. The company supplies various grades of carbon steel spring wire, including Bright Hard Drawn (e.g., ASTM A-227 Class 1, .0060''-.5000''), Galvanized Hard Drawn, Oil Tempered (e.g., .0080''-.6300''), and Oil Tempered Chrome Silicon (e.g., ASTM A-401). Basic wire in C1006/1008/1010 grades, and music wire (piano wire) with high tensile strength and fatigue resistance, are also available, often phosphate coated or galvanized. Stainless steel spring wire includes Type 302/304, Type 316, and 17/7 PH (AISI 631) in soap or nickel-coated finishes, with diameters ranging from .0040'' to .6250'' (ASTM A-313). Non-ferrous options feature Phosphor Bronze, Cartridge Brass, and Beryllium Copper. Additionally, ISW provides specialty-grade wires, cold heading quality wire (e.g., C1008, 1010), and Galfan coated steel wire for enhanced corrosion resistance. Packaging includes continuous coils on carriers and various spools.
Value-Added Services and Industry Focus
Beyond its comprehensive product range, ISW delivers value-added services such as custom wire processing, including torsion straightening for diameters .0300'' to .1250'' (excluding specific steel grades), and straightening and cutting to length. Its California division offers specialized slitting, tension leveling, and cut-to-length services. The company is ISO certified and can provide DFARs compliant material, eddy current testing, and salt-spray tests to ensure product integrity for critical applications. Serving industries such as automotive, appliance, medical, agriculture, and power generation, ISW acts as a reliable supply chain partner. The company also facilitates a free 'Material Exchange' service, connecting businesses with slow-moving inventory to potential buyers, further demonstrating its commitment to customer support and industry efficiency.
