Merchants Metals Announces Important Personnel Changes

Houston, TX May 8, 2007 - Merchants Metals has recently announced several changes to the Access Control Department.

Brian Boutte has been promoted to Access Control Manager. He has been with the company since January of 2005 and previously held the position of Southeast Regional Access Control Sales Manager. In his new role, Boutte will be responsible for corporate wide sales and marketing of Merchants Metals access control product lines. "Under Brian's direction we anticipate continued product line growth and expansion" states Tom Stanek, Director of Sales and Marketing.

A lifelong resident of Louisiana, Boutte has been in the access control industry for over 15 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. He also served in the US Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician.

Joseph (Joe) Curto has recently joined the company as Support Manager - Access Control. With over 22 years of experience in the access control and fence industries, Joe will be a tremendous asset to the company. He will office at the Tampa, FL service center and will provide technical support and quoting assistance to both Merchants Metals customers and employees.

Joe has lived in Florida for the past 30 years and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems from St. Leo College. He also holds an Associate in Arts degree in Programming for RPG & COBAL.

His military service includes eight years in the Army and four years in the Air Force Reserve/Medical Aerovac.

"We are excited to have Joe as a member of our access control team," stated Boutte. "As our Support Manager, his vast industry experience and superior technical skills will be a great benefit to both our internal and external customers. He is a wonderful addition to an already talented team."

Brian Boutte

Joe Curto

John Kelly

In addition to Brian Boutte and Joe Curto, the Merchants Metals access control team is also made up of Danny Rich, Northern Regional Sales Manager; Scott Meckes, Northeast Regional Sales Manager; and Tim Marlar, Customer Service Manager. Please call Brian Boutte at 1-800-588-0393 for more information. John J. Kelley has been promoted to Ornamental Steel Products Manager. He joined the company in 2001 and most recently held the title of Corporate Engineering Manager. In his new position, John will be in charge of the development and promotion of the ornamental steel product line. "John's extensive engineering and manufacturing background provide the background and experience required to meet the current demands and future growth of the product line," announced Tom Stanek, Director of Sales and Marketing.

A 15-year resident of Houston, John earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration from University of Houston. He will continue to work from the Merchants Metals corporate office in Houston.

Merchants Metals is one of the nation's largest manufacturers and distributors of fence systems. The company's complete line of fencing solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications includes steel ornamental in both component and fully welded systems, hot-dipped galvanized and color coated chain link fence systems, wood and vinyl systems, aluminum ornamental systems, temporary fence, guardrail, aluminum track gates and access control products.

Merchants Metals products are manufactured and distributed through 6 manufacturing plants and 44 service centers nationwide. To find out more about Merchants Metals and the fencing solutions it offers, please call 866.888.5611 or visit www.merchantsmetals.com

###