Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company rolls out ABB conveyor systems to reduce downtime

Reliance Steel rolls out ABB conveyor systems to cut downtime

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company is offering ABB’s conveyor system portfolio to industrial and logistics customers, the company announces from Fort Worth, Texas on Feb. 17, 2026. The move positions Reliance Steel to supply a broad set of drive and control components — including contactors and soft starters — aimed at improving uptime, energy efficiency and throughput on assembly, packaging and fulfillment lines. The initiative pairs ABB’s component breadth with Reliance Steel’s distribution, technical support and local service teams to accelerate adoption by manufacturers and e-commerce operators.

Reliance Steel says the integrated offering addresses mounting pressure on operators to limit unplanned stoppages and lower operating costs. Unplanned downtime on conveyor systems can cost between $10,000 and $500,000 per hour, a range Reliance Steel highlights to stress the financial case for preventive upgrades and rapid service. ABB’s contactors enable remote and automated starting, stopping and direction changes on belt drives by switching higher-power motor and distribution circuits with low-power control coils; soft starters reduce motor inrush and mechanical stress, extending equipment life and cutting peak energy draw.

The company frames the partnership as a response to expanding automation and fulfillment demand. By combining availability of ABB parts with local configuration, stocking and maintenance services, Reliance Steel presents a single-source option for OEMs, plant operators and third-party logistics providers seeking to curb downtime and meet energy-efficiency targets. The distribution reach also aims to shorten lead times for replacement components and simplify integration with PLCs and plant control systems.

Market context and obstacles

The global conveyor belt market is valued at $5.68 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $7.21 billion by 2030, supported by steady expansion in industrial automation and a roughly 7% annual rise in e-commerce activity; industrial automation is near $222.22 billion while e-commerce is about $6.42 trillion. Key barriers to faster adoption include rising energy-efficiency requirements and high installation, repair and maintenance costs that can make retrofits expensive.

Product scope and support model

ABB offers more than 8,500 contactor variants spanning three- and four-pole designs, AC-optimized units, NEMA-rated and safety contactors, mini and switching types and models for harsh environments. Reliance Steel leverages that range alongside its global inventory and local service teams to help customers select, configure and maintain solutions intended to boost uptime and productivity.