Sarah Bates began her career in the steel business in 1992 working for the largest privately owned steel service center in the USA.  After demonstrating exceptional performance in various positions and increased responsibilities she was promoted to a management position at their newest plant in Butler, IN while still under construction in 1996. Sarah maintained that position for 1 ½ years and was then named General Manager of that facility, which went on to become the largest, most productive and most profitable plant in their organization while under Sarah’s four years and four months of leadership.

In early 2000, Bates entered into a partnership which purchased the assets of a distressed company in Detroit, Michigan and began the operation of a minority owned steel service center. After accepting the challenge, she successfully rebuilt the buildings physical structure, replaced and repaired malfunctioning and obsolete equipment, improved the attitudes and work ethics of the existing production workers through training and mentoring, and regained the confidence of the existing customers, all while developing a new, stronger customer base.

Ms. Bates built a “World-Class” minority-owned Steel Service Center by using her developmental, organizational, communication and leadership skills to build a strong and educated workforce with effective quality systems while promoting a superior customer service philosophy.  Her steel service center became the largest minority / female owned service center in the USA from 2000 – 2008 with the support of her partner.

At the end of 2008, the partnership (New Technology Steel, LLC) reached its all time peak of its career in the steel business.  Due to economic challenges and changes in the automotive industries decline in production; the partnership was forced to change its structure. That did not stop Sarah Bates.

In 2009, Bates realized that redeveloping how you do business determines whether you survive. Sarah established a new entity named Nu Tek Steel, LLC. In this new position, Nu Tek Steel is able to do business globally. The company also capable of supplying any and every type of steel to any steel end user. Bates gives credit to her talented workforce, which she has aligned herself with now and in the past, for her successes.  Leadership is extremely relatable but it takes team work to get the job done.

Ms. Bates has risen to the heights of establishing and owning 100% of her national minority supplier development council certified, corporate plus membership, female/minority owned steel business: Nu Tek Steel, LLC. After many years of hard work of being labeled a world class “steel magnet” and entrepreneur, Bates has positioned herself to work in a comfortable and affordable manner. Being centrally located and having all the latest technological equipment Nu Tek Steel is still capable to “Do It Right…Make It Happen” which has always been Bates’ motto. Bates has the knowledge and technical support to manage the steel supply for any “steel end users” needs.

In 2013, Bates formed a business partnership with the love of her life and husband, John C. Bates, Sr.  While still President / CEO, Bates owns 75% of her company and John holds 25% interest in Nu Tek Steel, LLC.  John and Sarah are such a dynamic team together in the steel industry; they share the same passions for the people, customers and suppliers in the steel industry and this is what they do best together, supply steel.

Over the years, Bates has received local and national recognition for her performance and has recently received the Urban Wheels Award for Supplier of the Year of 2014.

Contact :

NuTek Steel Michigan Sales Office

24201 Meridian Rd

Grosse Ile, MI 48138