Hilco Industrial Series – Episode 1: Mesta Machine Company
Not all industrial giants remain active, but their impact lives on through the machines they built. At Hilco Industrial, we continue to encounter equipment from legendary manufacturers that played a major role in shaping heavy industry.
In this first edition of our Machinery Legacy series, we take a look at Mesta Machine Company, a name synonymous with massive, heavy-duty industrial machinery that powered the rise of modern steel and metalworking.
The Early Days of Mesta Machine Company
Founded in 1898 in West Homestead, Pennsylvania, Mesta Machine Company quickly became one of the most dominant manufacturers of large-scale metalworking and steel processing equipment. The company was named after George Mesta, an engineering visionary who saw the growing demand for rolling mills, forging presses, and industrial machinery capable of handling the massive scale of 20th-century manufacturing.
Mesta became a pillar of the steel industry, supplying equipment to major mills across the United States. Its rolling mills, forging presses, and massive machine tools played a vital role in producing structural steel for bridges, skyscrapers, ships, and railroads—the very backbone of industrial progress.
In addition to its contributions to infrastructure and manufacturing, Mesta also produced equipment for aerospace, shipbuilding, and military applications, providing forging presses and large-scale machining tools used in heavy industry.
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 Mesta Known For?
Mesta Machine Company wasn’t just another machinery manufacturer—it was an industry giant producing some of the largest and most powerful equipment in the world. Some of their most famous innovations include:
✅ Rolling Mills – Designed for the steel, aluminum, and copper industries, their mills helped shape modern metal production.
✅ Massive Forging Presses – Built for heavy forging applications, including aerospace and military production.
✅ Hydraulic and Mechanical Presses – Used for shaping large metal components in shipbuilding and industrial applications.
✅ Giant Machine Tools – Custom-built lathes, boring mills, and planer mills capable of handling hundreds of tons of material.
Mesta was the go-to manufacturer for large-scale steel production and industrial machinery, and many of their machines remain in use today, a testament to their legendary durability.
Where is Mesta Today?
Despite its dominant presence in the industry for decades, Mesta Machine Company faced financial difficulties in the late 20th century. With changes in the steel industry and global competition, the company eventually closed in the 1980s. However, many of Mesta’s machines are still in operation, and some have been modernized and refurbished to meet contemporary production needs.
While the Mesta name no longer exists as an independent company, its legacy is carried on through its machines, many of which are still sought after in the secondary market.
The Mesta Legacy at Hilco Industrial
At Hilco Industrial, we frequently see Mesta rolling mills, presses, and heavy machine tools still in demand. Their massive scale, precision, and durability make them valuable assets for manufacturers today. In an era where quality and longevity matter, Mesta machines continue to hold their ground.
If you’ve ever worked with a Mesta rolling mill or press, we’d love to hear about it! What was your experience with Mesta equipment? Do share with us your story.
