Most people don’t think too much about it. They just take for granted that we have things like buildings, automobiles, and tools. But, there was a time when metal forming, tool, and die manufacturing didn’t exist.

Pre-World War II

The history of metal forming and steel in America starts in the 19th century with the growth of pig iron. Britain went from 1.3 million tons in production in 1840 to 6.7 million tons in 1870. By 1913, there was 10.4 million tons being produced.

The U.S. started at a pitiful 0.32 tons, but by 1913 was producing 31.5 million – more than 3 times Britain.…