Steel Partners was founded by Warren G. Lichtenstein in 1990. From its beginnings as a private investment firm, Steel Partners expanded its activities across the United States, Europe and Asia and established a number of investment partnerships, including Steel Partners L.P., Steel Partners II, L.P., Steel Systems L.P., Steel Partners Japan Strategic Fund L.P. and Steel Partners China Access I L.P.
In 2008, Steel Partners began the next chapter of its evolution with the creation of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., bringing together a diverse group of businesses under a long-term ownership model. Over time, Steel Partners increasingly focused on owning and operating businesses where it could bring capital, operating expertise and a long-term perspective to help them grow and improve.
As the company evolved, so did the principles that guide how we operate. Today, those principles are brought together through The Steel Way, our shared culture and operating philosophy across Steel Partners and our businesses.
The Steel Way is built around our Kids First purpose and our Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity and Commitment. It is supported by three key pillars: the Steel Business System, which drives continuous improvement and operational excellence; the Steel Coaching System, which develops leaders and strengthens teams; and Steel Grow, our approach to recruiting, retaining, rewarding and developing our people.
Steel Partners has continued to grow across a diverse range of industries, including industrial products, building products, cutting, electrification, energy, aerospace and defense, supply chain and logistics, banking and specialty finance, and youth sports.
In 2026, Steel Partners returned to private ownership, reinforcing our long-term approach and giving us even greater flexibility to invest in our businesses, our people and their future growth.
Today, Steel Partners is a long-term owner and operator with approximately 5,200 employees across 90 locations in 14 countries. While our businesses serve different markets and industries, they are connected by a common culture, shared values and a commitment to continuous improvement and long-term growth.
