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34 MN November 2010 The story of Newburgh, NY-based Steelways is not unlike that of the myriad of vessel construction and repair businesses dotting the U.S. coastal landscape: a business which has diversified to keep its bottom-line shipshape over the years. The Steelways story becomes unique when you peel back the cover to discover the breadth and depth of offerings from the company – both in and outside of the marine industry – and examine the long list of strate- gic advantages offered, starting with its location. Steelways was started in 1960 in Westchester County, NY, and it was founded – and today is still owned and run by – David Plotkin. Focused on power plant projects for nearly its first decade in business, the company switched market direction, and physical location in 1969, a strate- gic move which led the company to the waterfront of Newburgh, NY, a location in close proximity to West Point. “I credit out company’s success and longevity primarily to diversification,” said Plotkin. This diversification is self- evident, as the company has a traditional stronghold in the supply of steel rooftop swimming pools for hotels and high-rise buildings, delivering more than 600 in New York City alone, according to Plotkin. Overall, Plotkin classi- fies Steelway’s expertise into three broad categories: Pools, Tanks and Marine Construction, but a five minute con- versation with the owner clearly illustrates there are many more roots. “We have manufactured huge LNG storage tanks for Staten Island; Caisson Gates for U.S. Navy drydocks as far away as Pearl Harbor, barges, bridge decks and even a At the Crossroads of Water, Air, Road & Rail Hubs, Steelways offers Location, Location, Location By Greg Trauthwein Set on the scenic Hudson River in Newburgh, NY, Steelways positions itself as the gateway to New England.
