Mississippi River Steel Partners Emergency Medical Service Clinic – A Model of Collaboration and Care

At Zekelman Industries, we believe in putting people first—because behind every piece of steel we manufacture is a hardworking individual who deserves our utmost care and respect. This belief was the driving force behind the creation of the Mississippi River Steel Partners Emergency Medical Service Clinic, a groundbreaking initiative in Mississippi County that recently opened its doors. This milestone represents a win for safety and an extraordinary example of what happens when local manufacturers come together for a shared purpose.

Here’s the story behind this life-saving collaboration, its impact on the manufacturing community, and how partnerships like these set new workplace safety standards.

The Problem That Sparked Action:
Emergency care for 1,000+ steelworkers in Mississippi County was 45 minutes to an hour away.

Although Zekelman Industries is proud to have some of the safest facilities in the world, there’s no escaping the fact that manufacturing carries inherent risks. Steelworkers use their hands and bodies daily, operating heavy machinery and handling tasks demanding strength, precision, and endurance.

“When our safety team shared that critical emergency care could be over an hour away, it became clear that action was needed—bold, collaborative, and immediate action. Everyone who devotes their career to this industry deserves safety, security, and peace of mind,” said Barry Zekelman, CEO and Chairman of Zekelman Industries.

Recognizing that external systemic issues such as limited emergency response services could not be solved overnight, Zekelman Industries decided to take a bold approach—from the inside out.

“Our team realized that waiting for solutions from local and state authorities wasn’t enough,” said Jan Barnewall, Zekelman Industries’ Director of Safety. “We knew we had to work with other local manufacturers and create a safety net for our most valuable resource—our people.”

The Mississippi River Steel Partners brings together five manufacturing companies with one common goal—ensuring the safety and well-being of 1,100 steelworkers across the region. This group includes Zekelman Industries, Tenaris, and several other businesses that banded together to fund a 24/7 emergency medical service clinic and ambulance service exclusively for their employees. “Opening this clinic shows that you believe your employees are an asset worth investing in. By doing this, you’re helping build a healthy, fit, hopefully happy workforce.”

— Congressman Rick Crawford, Co-chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus

Enhancing Emergency Response Times

Before the clinic launched, an emergency in Mississippi County could mean critical delays in care. Ambulances often had to cover vast distances or respond to multiple incidents simultaneously, leaving manufacturing facilities vulnerable. Now, the Mississippi River Steel Partners Clinic guarantees that emergency response times have been shortened to less than five minutes for all participating companies.

“What we’ve created here ensures that emergencies are no longer counted in potentially catastrophic minutes,” said Barry Zekelman at the clinic’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Instead, they’re measured in confidence—confidence that our steelworkers, the heartbeat of everything we accomplish, are supported and protected.”

The program features:

• A fully licensed ambulance stationed on-site, ready to respond within five minutes of a call.
• Paramedic and EMT support available 24/7 to ensure rapid and qualified emergency care.
• A dedicated clinic equipped for routine health needs, including telehealth services, triage care, hearing tests, CPR training, and respirator fit testing.
• Services like first-aid kit management and safety audits, provided by the clinic’s team, creating a safer and healthier workplace for all.

Beyond Emergency Care

This clinic isn’t just for emergencies—it’s also a hub for proactive health and wellness. Employees at participating companies can now access:

• Telehealth consultations for routine medical needs (like getting a quick prescription for a cold or flu).
• Health screenings, such as hearing tests and respirator fit clearances, are tailored to the needs of steelworkers.
• Wellness programs aimed at promoting a healthier workforce, including onsite fruit and vegetable distribution.
• Hands-on first aid and CPR certification programs, ensuring employees have life-saving skills themselves.

The clinic team is also integrated into the daily lives of workers. EMTs and paramedics frequently visit work sites for coffee and to meet employees, creating a sense of trust and community.

Leading With Purpose

The Mississippi River Steel Partners Emergency Medical Service Clinic isn’t just a clinic—it’s a symbol of how companies can take bold, collaborative action to build stronger, safer communities. For Zekelman Industries, it represents the very essence of their commitment to putting their people first.

“This isn’t just about safety,” said Barry Zekelman. “It’s about recognizing the strength and hard work of the individuals who make the American manufacturing industry what it is. We owe them nothing less than our full support.”

At Zekelman Industries, we don’t just believe in what we build; we believe in who we build it for. The Mississippi River Steel Partners Clinic is proof of that belief in action—and we hope it inspires other companies, here and beyond, to join us in keeping safety, health, and humanity at the heart of manufacturing.

For media inquiries or to learn more about this program, please contact Amanda Donovan (amanda.donovan@zekelman.com).

Together, we can do more. Believe in What We Build.