«1917 1918-1939 1920 »

In the immediate post-war years, Shotton is highly successful. The workforce rises to 5,800 and the firm is the second largest producer of steel sheets in the country. Steel sheet is selling for up to £54 a ton.

The period between the two world wars is one of considerable change both in the techniques of steelmaking and steel rolling and in world demand. Many countries begin to make their own sheets and there is a gradual decline in the export trade for black and galvanised sheets which at one time accounted for 98 per cent. of Shotton’s total production.

In America, there are signs that steel is likely to be used more and more, not only for motor car bodies but for domestic appliances and furniture. But if steel is to replace the likes of wood, aluminium and cast iron in the automotive and consumer goods manufacturing processes, there has to be improvements in surface finish and in malleability or deep drawing to allow the steel to be shaped without detriment.