A Sheffield company is commemorating its 250 years of steel production with an investment programme to set itself up ‘for generations to come’.

With its history going back to 1776, Forgemasters has responsible for much of Sheffield’s reputation as the ‘City of Steel’.

Chief Executive Officer Gary Nutter said: “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.”

Forgemasters intends to expand further into UK defence programmes this year. There is construction underway with a 13,000 tonne press and building on Brightside Lane, as well as a 30,000 metres squared machine shop on Weedon Lane.

To commemorate the ‘historic milestone’, Forgemasters is turning its focus to other industries, namely the defence sector and civil nuclear, to guarantee future progress.

Mr Nutter attributed the initial movement into steelmaking to George Naylor and his son in 1776. The business, originally a cutlery manufacturing company, made its debut with a crucible steel furnace in the city.

Sheffield Forgemasters was established in 1983 once Johnson, Firth Brown Ltd and British Steel’s River Don Works merged. The company has roots in Sheffield, with Naylor, Hutchinson Vickers & Co. having worked in Millsands.

Mr Nutter said: “We are duty bound to commemorate the developments that our predecessors made.”

Forgemasters played an enormous role throughout history, providing steel for American railroads and the ammunition used in two world wars.

Mr Nutter also mentioned the invention of stainless steel by Harry Brierley and the ‘world’s first integrated steelworks’ at Marshall’s on Millsands.

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

Sheffield Forgemasters is also using this year to credit its collaborations throughout history with renowned manufacturers, such as Vickers, William Jessop, Thomas Firth, John Brown, Armstrong-Whitworth, and Supermarine.