Astro Shapes enters into agreement with National Material

STRUTHERS — Astro Shapes, the aluminum-extruding company that is the city’s largest employer, has entered into a joint-partnership agreement with the Illinois-based National Material LP.

According to the announcement from Astro Shapes LLC dated Jan. 2, National Material is a “multinational industrial holding company” that “operates primarily as a full-service, valued-added metals processor and distributor.” It specializes in steel, aluminum extrusions and high-performance alloys, and also has holdings in raw- materials distribution and manufacturing.

The announcement states that Astro Shapes “will continue to operate in its current configuration and management structure,” which includes Paul Cene, a son of founder Bob Cene Sr., remaining in his role as president.

Astro Shapes, which opened in 1971, employs more than 400 in its more than 300,000-square-foot facility on 7 acres at 65 Main St. in the city’s downtown.

According to its website, Astro Shapes manufactures residential-grade extrusions for the building and construction markets and also provides aluminum extrusions for commercial, heavy commercial and architectural-grade products.

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