Our History

Ritner Steel was started on the Ritner Highway by my father, Louis Dorbian, under the name Carlisle Steel Supply in 1948. Dad was originally from Saint John, New Brunswick. He served in World War II.

After the war, he came to Harrisburg through family connections. Soon after, he married my mom "Dottie" and settled in Harrisburg.

In 1948, with support from family, Dad purchased a small "wooden truss" airport hangar to start his business in R.D. 5 Carlisle on the Ritner Highway.

In 1973, after graduating from Penn State, I went to work with Dad. He was not in the best health, and I had a responsibility to uphold.

I lost my dad in 1976 at the age of 58. Dad's work gave me a foothold in the steel business and the opportunity to create new possibilities from what he started.

Initially, I built and developed a rebar fabrication business and building supply company to go along with the steel business. During this period, I renamed the company to Carlisle Supply. In 1990, I sold the business's rebar and building supply divisions and relocated from the Ritner Highway.

The new company name became Ritner Steel.

From 1992 to 1997, we were located on Claremont Road. In 1998, I purchased the facility of our current location at 131 Stover Drive, Carlisle, PA.

Ritner Steel, Inc. has grown through the years with amazing team support and continues to develop increased capacities. We are AISC certified.

Recently (spring 2021), we relocated our office staff to a new office at 81 Stover Drive. 

The company has (2) divisions.

Service Center Division services the residential home builder and all construction trades with steel, field services, and crane rental requirements.

The Project Division specializes in the project management coordination, detailing, fabrication, and installation of commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.

Each department is supported internally by a great team.

We are blessed and proud of all the relationships and trust we have built over the years…

The journey will never end. We respect and welcome all opportunities.

Thank you,

Joseph