Warrenton Steel and Show Me Welding have been referring customers to each other's business for years. So it made business sense for them to join forces. Customers will now have the convenience of having both local businesses housed under one roof. Warrenton Steel owner Gary Carter finalized the purchase of Show Me Welding on July 1. Carter bought the company from Paul Wood, who moved to Branson to focus on repairing cell towers, which represented about half of Show Me Welding's revenues. Carter said he was mostly interested in adding the shop and welding portion of the business. Both businesses will remain separate entities but will be located at Warrenton Steel's facility at 1332 W. Veterans Memorial Parkway. Show Me Welding had previously been located on the North Service Road next to Rob's Lawn and Garden. Warrenton Steel is focused on being a steel supplier, Carter said, but the addition of Show Me Welding provides new service opportunities such as custom fabrication and portable welding. Carter said Warrenton Steel had been getting more requests for fabrication work, so in his opinion, it made sense to buy an established company. In the past, both companies helped one another by sending customers to each other. The possibility of forming a partnership was discussed a few years ago, Carter said. "It gives us the opportunity to weld just about anything," Carter said. At least two jobs were saved by the purchase, Carter said. Two employees - Dave Hamrick and Sara Davis - will continue to be in charge of most of the Show Me Welding work. He is currently in the process of hiring at least one more welder. Warrenton Steel, meanwhile, employs nine people who have more than 75 years in the steel industry. "Saving two jobs doesn't sound like a lot, but it means a lot to those two people," Carter said. "To me, those are the two key people to the business. They have the relationship with the customers." Hamrick said the two businesses working together should provide long-term benefits. "I think with the new owner, Gary wants to grow it more," Hamrick said. "Gary has more experience in big business. We are hooked up with an actual steel supplier. We will be able to offer a better service now." Being able to provide on-site welding service is expected to be an important aspect of adding the second company, Carter acknowledged. "You have to go to the customer," he said. "They can't always bring it to you." Carter has owned Warrenton Steel, which has been in existence since 1989, for the past six years. Prior to that, he worked for 30 years in industrial distribution. He said his experience working with larger companies has helped give him a vision to grow these two businesses locally. Show Me Welding opened in 1999. "Now we are providing a full service," Carter said. "As you slow down you have to broaden your base a little bit, be creative and flexible." Warrenton Steel also sells steel siding and roofing, welding supplies and trailer supplies. To reach Warrenton Steel, call 636-456-8400 or visit www.warrentonsteel.com. To reach Show Me Welding, call 636-456-7326 or visit www.showmewelding.com.