RUS Russel Metals Inc

Russel Metals Inc. (TSX: RUS) today announced the promotion of John G. Reid to Vice President Operations, Service Centers. John started with JMS Metals Services, Inc. and related companies ("JMS") in 1991, was promoted to President of JMS in 1994 and has been President of the Company's JMS Russel Metals operations since the Company's purchase of JMS in 2007. In 2009, John was appointed Vice President Operations, U.S. Service Centers. In addition to his current responsibilities for our U.S. service centers, John will now add oversight of the Company's service centers in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. John will continue as President of the Company's JMS Russel Metals operations (including Norton Metals).

Brian Hedges, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "John has handled his increased role at our U.S. service centers well and I welcome his further contribution as he takes responsibility for our British Columbia and Midwestern operations. Our Western General Managers, David Miller and Allan Willis, will now report to John."

Russel Metals is one of the largest metals distribution companies in North America. It carries on business in three metals distribution segments: metals service centers, energy tubular products and steel distributors, under various names including Russel Metals, A.J. Forsyth, Acier Leroux, Acier Loubier, Acier Richler, Arrow Steel Processors, B&T Steel, Baldwin International, Comco Pipe and Supply, Fedmet Tubulars, JMS Russel Metals, Leroux Steel, McCabe Steel, Megantic Metal, Metaux Russel, Metaux Russel Produits Specialises, Milspec, Norton Metals, Pioneer Pipe, Russel Metals Specialty Products, Russel Metals Williams Bahcall, Spartan Steel Products, Sunbelt Group, Triumph Tubular & Supply, Wirth Steel and York-Ennis.

Contacts: Russel Metals Inc. Sherri Mooser Assistant Secretary (905) 819-7419 info@russelmetals.com www.russelmetals.com