When a family-owned company has been around for 100 years it becomes part of our heritage as a community and the fabric that runs through our lives. That is the story of the McCain family and ECON Steel (Erie Concrete and Steel). For one hundred years this Erie based company has produced ships, bridges, and landmark buildings while supplying the steel for Erie's golden age of manufacturing.

In 1913, ECON founder Willard E. McCain came to Erie to build a railroad car dumping system. Willard liked what he saw, decided to stay, and the McCain family business had its start. From its early beginning as a railroad bridge and road paving company ECON soon focused on general construction. Academy High School, the Millcreek Tube, Erie Forge & Steel, and General Electric plants are but a few of the company's landmark projects.

Having survived the great depression, ECON Steel entered the shipbuilding business at the foot of Cascade Street on the exact location where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry built his fleet over 100 years before. During its heyday the shipyard employed 700 workers and regularly completed entire ships every thirty days.

As a Steel Supply company ECON Steel has provided the raw material for locomotives, steam shovels, and everything in between. To this day steel supplied by ECON can be found across the globe in products manufactured right here in Erie

Throughout its long history ECON Steel has been fortunate to serve customers who remain loyal to this day and to employ associates who shared the company's vision. Under the direction of Scott McCain, the company's third-generation owner, ECON has become an indispensable resource for customers from coast to coast. “When you walk through our warehouse you are looking at inventory and experience that has accumulated for over 100 years. Year after year our customers continue to rely on our unique experience to find the best solutions. We're proud of that. We like to think it makes a difference for our customers.”When a family-owned company has been around for 100 years it becomes part of our heritage as a community and the fabric that runs through our lives. That is the story of the McCain family and ECON Steel (Erie Concrete and Steel). For one hundred years this Erie based company has produced ships, bridges, and landmark buildings while supplying the steel for Erie's golden age of manufacturing.

In 1913, ECON founder Willard E. McCain came to Erie to build a railroad car dumping system. Willard liked what he saw, decided to stay, and the McCain family business had its start. From its early beginning as a railroad bridge and road paving company ECON soon focused on general construction. Academy High School, the Millcreek Tube, Erie Forge & Steel, and General Electric plants are but a few of the company's landmark projects.

Having survived the great depression, ECON Steel entered the shipbuilding business at the foot of Cascade Street on the exact location where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry built his fleet over 100 years before. During its heyday the shipyard employed 700 workers and regularly completed entire ships every thirty days.

As a Steel Supply company ECON Steel has provided the raw material for locomotives, steam shovels, and everything in between. To this day steel supplied by ECON can be found across the globe in products manufactured right here in Erie

Throughout its long history ECON Steel has been fortunate to serve customers who remain loyal to this day and to employ associates who shared the company's vision. Under the direction of Scott McCain, the company's third-generation owner, ECON has become an indispensable resource for customers from coast to coast. “When you walk through our warehouse you are looking at inventory and experience that has accumulated for over 100 years. Year after year our customers continue to rely on our unique experience to find the best solutions. We're proud of that. We like to think it makes a difference for our customers.”