Comsteel
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Steel manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Commonwealth Steel Products |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Headquarters | Waratah, Newcastle , Australia |
| Owner | American Industrial Partners |
Comsteel is a manufacturer of steel products located in Waratah, a suburb of Newcastle, Australia. It functions as a subsidiary under the ownership of American Industrial Partners.
History
The company was originally established in 1918 under the name Commonwealth Steel Products through a collaboration between Clyde Engineering, Goninan & Co, Pioneer Spring Co, and Ritchie Brothers. Its early production focused on wheels, tyres, axles, and steel castings specifically designed for railway use.
The facility in Waratah came into existence following Howard Smith's investment. Subsequently, after involvement by Vickers, the firm adopted the name Vickers Commonwealth Steel Products in 1923. Throughout the 1930s, BHP incrementally acquired full control and rebranded the enterprise as Commonwealth Steel Company. Expansion continued in 1959 with the addition of a stainless steel cold rolling mill located in Unanderra. By 1971, the company had obtained licensing rights from Midland-Ross to produce couplers, draft gears, and bogies for freight wagons.
In 1983, a merger between Commonwealth Steel Company and Vickers' Australian branch resulted in the creation of Comsteel, with BHP and Vickers each holding 38% ownership. Two years later, Australian National Industries (ANI) purchased Comsteel. ANI itself was acquired by Smorgon Steel in 1999, which was subsequently taken over by OneSteel (later known as Arrium) in 2007. Since 2016, Comsteel has been owned by American Industrial Partners.