Hilco Industrial Series – Episode 2: Davy
Some names in industrial manufacturing may no longer be active, but their impact on the metals and heavy machinery industries continues through the machines they built. In this second edition of Machinery Legacy, we spotlight Davy, a company that played a key role in shaping the steel and metal processing industries with its advanced engineering and massive industrial equipment.
The Early Days of Davy
Davy, originally known as Davy Brothers, was founded in Sheffield, England, in the 19th century. Sheffield, known as the Steel City, was a global hub for metallurgy, making it the perfect birthplace for an engineering powerhouse.
By the 20th century, Davy had become a leading heavy engineering and industrial machinery manufacturer, specializing in steel plant equipment, rolling mills, and forging presses. The company provided critical infrastructure for the booming steel industry and played a major role in the development of modern metal processing.
As the company grew, it expanded into large-scale industrial plant design and engineering, later becoming Davy McKee and Davy International through mergers and acquisitions.
Images courtesy of Viktor Mácha – Beauty of Steel, a remarkable photographic journey capturing the soul of Steel Industry. Explore more at thebeautyofsteel.com.
What was Davy Known For?
Davy was a major supplier of heavy industrial equipment, particularly for steel production, metal forming, and large-scale industrial processes. Some of its most well-known contributions include:
✅ Rolling Mills – Supplied to steel plants around the world, enabling efficient and precise metal rolling.
✅ Forging Presses – Used in large-scale metal forming, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries.
✅ Continuous Casting Equipment – Revolutionized steel production by improving efficiency and quality.
✅ Hydraulic and Mechanical Presses – Utilized in manufacturing large metal components, including structural and automotive applications.
✅ Industrial Plant Engineering – Designed and built entire steel plants, integrating advanced metallurgical processes.
Davy’s engineering expertise helped shape modern steelmaking technology, and its equipment was widely used in the construction of steel mills and heavy industrial plants worldwide.
Where is Davy Today?
Over time, Davy’s operations were acquired and integrated into other global OEMs, where its engineering knowledge and technologies were absorbed into broader portfolios. While the Davy name is no longer active as an independent entity, the equipment and expertise live on—modernized and still in service in steel plants worldwide.
The Davy Legacy at Hilco Industrial
A well-built machine never truly disappears. Davy’s impact on the steel and heavy machinery industries is still evident in plants and workshops worldwide. Their rolling mills, casting equipment, and presses continue to shape the modern metals industry, proving that quality engineering stands the test of time.
Have you ever worked with a Davy rolling mill or industrial press? Share your experience!
