The British Structural Steel Company Limited Collection

This collection contains: Directors' Minutes 1911-1966; Ledger 1911-1923; Financial Returns 1937-1940; Cost Book 1921-1923; Salaries Book 1911-1923.

The British Structural Steel Company Limited came into being after an informal meeting on 13 September 1911 when it was decided that a new company should be formed to take over the assets of Edward Wood and Company Limited in South America. They started with an authorized capital of £50 000 divided into 50 000 shares of £1 each: Edward Wood and Company Limited took 12 495 shares. The company was based in offices at the Ocean Iron Works, Ordsal Lane, Manchester. It was agreed that the company lease land in Buenos Aires. In 1912 it was hoped that the annual profit be £6 000 and turnover of £100 000. Contracts included a pier at Comodoro Rivadavica (Argentine Government), work at Monte Video (Palmero), a sugar factory in Buenos Aires, roof work at the Central Argentine Railway and the Gloria Palace Hotel in Rio.

The company sent workers to Argentina and employed local people, as well as maintaining the iron works in Manchester. In March 1917, it was resolved that the central offices be moved from Manchester to London (81 Cannon Street). In 1917, the business was 'not in a flourishing condition', but picked up after the end of the War. In September 1920 it was decided to ask Edward Wood to 'acquire the whole of South America south of the Panama Canal being considered exclusively the territory of the British Structural Steel Company Limited'. On 11 Oct 1923, Edward Wood and Company Limited, the largest holder of shares in the company, sold their holdings to Dorman Long and Company Limited. Charles Dorman and Col. Fred Joseph Byrne were appointed directors of the company: Dorman was also appointed chairman. It was hoped 'the new era now opening would be one of great expansion and success'.

The company's offices were consequently moved to Zetland Road in Middlesbrough. By 6 February 1925, Dorman Long held 31 415 shares in the company. In November 1937, the company owed Dorman Long £20 000. Land was purchased for the development of business in Buenos Aires in April 1939. The history of the company after 1966 is unknown.

The company operated in Argentines under the name Cia Britannica de Constructional de Acero Ltd.