Forging ahead after 250 years

A Sheffield-based steel manufacturer is marking a major milestone as it celebrates 250 years of industrial heritage.

Sheffield Forgemasters, now owned by the Ministry of Defence, can trace its roots back to 1776, the same year as the US Declaration of Independence, when George Naylor helped establish steelmaking in the city with a crucible furnace. 

Over the centuries, its legacy has intertwined with some of Britain’s most renowned steel and defence names.

Formed in 1983 through the merger of Johnson, Firth Brown Ltd and British Steel’s River Don Works, the company continues to operate from Brightside Lane. 

It is now expanding with a new 30,000sq metre machine shop and a 13,000 tonne press to support UK defence programmes.

Gary Nutter, chief executive at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “Following some detailed research, we have been able to locate the company’s first involvement in steel through the pioneering work of George Naylor in 1776, and his son, George Portus Naylor, who subsequently formed the earliest of partnerships with the Vickers family.

“Recognising this anniversary, we are dedicating 2026 to celebrating the vast contribution that our inherited companies made to establishing Sheffield as the world’s most important steelmaking centre for many years.

“Throughout the year, we are looking forward to celebrating this historic landmark with our people, past and present, the wider community, and recognising the new legacy we are creating through our £1.3 billion investment programme to set ourselves up for generations to come.” 

Gary added: “We are privileged to be the custodians of such an incredible company, and a nationally important chapter of social and industrial history.

“As such, we are duty bound to commemorate the developments that our predecessors made, including Harry Brierley’s invention of stainless steel, the world’s first integrated steelworks at Marshall’s on Millsands, provision of steel to build America’s railroads, and the crucial supply of armaments for two World Wars. 

“During our 250th anniversary year we are also looking to the future and marking our important role in the Defence sector and the major complementary opportunities emerging in civil nuclear, securing future roles for years to come.”

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