Ormesby Rolling Mills Limited Collection

BS/ORM/1. Corporate Records
BS/ORM/2. Share Records
BS/ORM/3. Financial and Accounting Records
BS/ORM/4. Administration Records

Incorporated in 1909, Ormesby Rolling Mills Limited leased the Ormesby Rolling Mills from the Talbot Continuous Steel Process Limited (later Steel Development Limited), and produced a range of steel products.

During the First World War they contributed to the 'war effort' by undertaking work for the Ministry of Munitions of War by manufacturing steel shell casings and also undertaking finishing processes for the neighbouring works of Cargo Fleet Iron Company Limited.

In 1923 the company completed the purchase of the mills which they had previously been tenants for a sum of £63,000, payable in 8% Debentures in the company, with the issue being guaranteed by Cargo Fleet Iron Company Limited. The Cargo Fleet company was closely linked to Ormesby, not least through its Chairman Benjamin Talbot and several Directors (some items in the Cargo Fleet collection (BS/CFI) contain information which points to a complete merger of operating interests in all but name).

Following the purchase, it began a period of expansion and updating of the works and plant continuing to produce steel products until the voluntarily winding up of the company in 1953. With James Jack as liquidator, the assets of the company were dispersed, and the proceeds of the sale distributed to the shareholders. Evidence from other records in the wider British Steel Collection would suggest that the plant continued to operate as a part of Cargo Fleet beyond the wind up of Ormesby Rolling Mills.