Metals

Overview

Over Seven Decades Serving the Metals Industry

We know that metal and steel production is fundamental to the infrastructure of modern society. R.E. Warner was built on the booming steel production industry right in the heart of the nation’s industrial corridor. Over the years, we’ve partnered with more than 50 major corporations to complete more than 3,500 projects at over 70 different facilities including: material handling facilities, electric arc furnaces, molding and casting plants and rolling and finishing mills.

During the past few decades, the metal production industry has faced incredible ups and downs, countless opportunities and rising consumer demand. The continual changes wrought by mergers, acquisitions and construction of new facilities as well as tariffs, emerging technology and materials science means the industry needs a trusted and competent engineering partner like never before.

From equipment installation engineering for expansions and improvements, to engineering and design of buildings and facilities for brand new mills, to crane rail inspections, to services for repairs and maintenance, we have the expertise and decades of experience to help you adapt to ever-changing industry forecasts. See our services. 

MEET THE MARKET DIRECTOR

Willie Kesterson, PE - Metals Market Director

“As an engineer, I have always loved solving complex problems. And, I have always believed that a key part of solving problems is being an effective listener. I learned early on in my career that issues can only be resolved once the need is truly understood.”

With 25 years of experience as a Lead Mechanical Engineer and Senior Project Manager, Willie offers a unique perspective having spent nearly two decades leading project teams from the owner’s side. Prior to joining R.E. Warner, he spent over 18 years at a major steel manufacturer, managing project across multiple business segments including rebar fabrication, alloy briquetting, and steel making – to name a few. His work included spearheading dozens of capital improvement projects, most notably a new greenfield technologically advanced micro steel mill.
 
Willie’s extensive owner-side experience informs his approach to every project. He applies insights gained from past efforts to bring efficiency, foresight, and strategic value to new projects. He has found that lessons learned in one role or setting benefit others and can even translate across industries. For example, shortly after joining R.E. Warner, Willie helped a client design a facility similar to one he previously delivered, using his deep knowledge of owner-side priorities to optimize outcomes. In addition, he draws on the best-in-class project management techniques he used as an owner to effectively lead projects as a consultant. 
 
Willie’s firsthand experience as an owner delivers clear advantages to our clients in the metals industry:
 
• He understands how to work within the realities of steel production facilities, navigating safety protocols, operational constraints, and production goals that are unique to metals manufacturing.
 
• Having led capital programs from the owner’s side, Willie knows what it takes to successfully define the project scope, execute around outage windows, and accurately track costs.
 
• He has a keen understanding of the process and sequencing needed to execute capital projects in the metals industry. Most delays and cost overruns happen when the work sequence is incorrect.
 
• From his previous experience, Willie understands the owners' financial considerations —capital improvement priorities, shutdown scheduling, budget realities, prudent investment, and achieving a favorable ROI.
 
• Having walked many miles in their shoes, Willie communicates effectively with owners’ teams, resulting in seamless collaboration.
 
Willie holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University and an M.S. in Manufacturing Systems Management from Southern Methodist University. He also has earned a Certificate in Project Management from The University of Alabama - Huntsville. He is a registered Professional Engineer in 15 states.