Metal Craft Industries UK Ltd, a leading stainless steel fabrication firm based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has a rich history of innovation and excellence. As pioneers in the industry, they manufacture a diverse range of products, including trolleys, sinks, tables, warehousing equipment, laboratory equipment, and catering equipment for prestigious clients such as Premier League football clubs and Formula One teams.
Reg Larkin, Managing Director of Metal Craft Industries UK Ltd, commented on the enduring relevance of stainless steel, stating, "Stainless steel may be a relative newcomer in the world of materials science, having first been produced 111 years ago, but its impact is profound. Its versatility and superior properties have revolutionized modern manufacturing."
Stainless steel's journey began in 1913 when Harry Brearley of Sheffield, UK, discovered 'rustless' steel. By adding chromium to molten iron, Brearley produced a metal that resisted corrosion, marking the birth of stainless steel. This breakthrough came as Brearley sought to prevent the erosion of gun barrels for the British army during World War I.
Over the years, stainless steel has seen numerous advancements. In 1919, Elwood Haynes patented martensitic stainless steel, followed by William J. Kroll's discovery of precipitation-hardening stainless steel in 1929, and the production of duplex stainless steel in Sweden in 1930. These innovations underscored stainless steel’s exceptional properties—high corrosion and heat resistance, formability, weldability, and durability—making it a preferred material across various industries.
Reg Larkin elaborated on the evolution of stainless steel at Metal Craft Industries: "We've witnessed firsthand how the outstanding properties of stainless steel have been harnessed to meet diverse and demanding applications. From catering and healthcare to automotive and construction, the metal's ability to resist rust and withstand extreme conditions makes it indispensable."
Metal Craft Industries UK Ltd continues to leverage the unique benefits of stainless steel. The metal's hygienic properties were proven in 1928 when the first stainless steel fermenting vessel was used to brew beer. Today, its applications have expanded to include surgical implants, food and beverage production, and even architectural structures like the Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago. Indeed Metal Craft Industries UK Ltd even applies a sterilisation finish to stainless steel products going into catering and laboratories.
"Stainless steel's sustainability is another reason why it's the material of choice for us," added Larkin. "It's 100% recyclable and maintains its integrity through multiple life cycles, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental stewardship."