Chapter Four : Steel Improvement During World War II

Contracts were negotiated with Bristol Aeroplane Company and a major expansion of Steel Improvement's facilities was undertaken. Before World War II wound down, Steel Improvement produced tooling to manufacture every design of forging used by Bristol and production reached a level requiring the shipment of a rail car of forgings every day, seven days a week, destined for Bristol. At the peak of the Luftwaffe Blitz of England some of these parts became so critical that they were shipped across the Atlantic on Navy cruisers or destroyers to avoid the lengthy delays and risks of cargo vessels moving in convoy.

Parts awaiting shipment to Bristol

 
Bristol Beaufighter, long range night fighter. A total of 5,962 units were produced during World War II. The Japanese called it "Whispering Death."
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