FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 2, 1997

RELIANCE STEEL & ALUMINUM CO.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California 001-13122 95-1142616
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(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) File Number) Identification No.)

2550 East 25th Street
Los Angeles, California 90058
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(Address of principal executive offices)

(213) 582-2272
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(Telephone number)

N/A
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.

On April 2, 1997, the Registrant acquired 100% of the outstanding
common stock (the "Shares") of AMI Metals, Inc., a Tennessee corporation
("AMI"), which is engaged in the business of processing and distributing
certain heat treatable aluminum products and certain specialty stainless and
alloy steel products used in aerospace applications. AMI has facilities in
Brentwood, Tennessee; Fontana, California; Wichita, Kansas; Swedesboro, New
Jersey; Fort Worth, Texas; and Kent, Washington. Revenues of AMI for the
fiscal year ended February 28, 1997 were approximately $77 million. The
Registrant paid $38.5 million in cash for the Shares and certain covenants not
to compete, a portion of which will be retained in escrow for a period of time.
The Registrant drew the $38.5 million from its revolving line of credit with
Bank of America N.T. & S.A. The Shares were acquired from Nashville Steel
Corporation, Robin L. Koop, Kenneth J. Koop and Koop Enterprises, L.P. The
purchase price was determined by negotiation with the sellers. AMI will
continue to engage in the same business at the same locations as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Registrant.

ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS.

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired. Because AMI does
not meet the "significant subsidiary" tests, no financial statements of AMI are
required.

(b) Exhibits. None

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

RELIANCE STEEL & ALUMINUM CO.

Dated: April 10, 1997 By:
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Steven S. Weis
Chief Financial Officer