Lysaght (Australian company)
| Company type | Public (formerly) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Steel manufacturing |
| Founded | 1880 |
| Founder | John Lysaght |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Galvanized steel building materials |
| Parent | BlueScope (since 2002) |
Lysaght originated in 1880 when John Lysaght established it as a branch of John Lysaght and Co. The firm was a trailblazer in advanced steel coating processes (galvanization), promoting steel building materials under the 'ORB' label, which significantly impacted the architectural landscape in Australia.
History
The inception of John Lysaght and Co. dates back to 1857 in Bristol, England, where it manufactured corrugated iron and exported products to regions such as Australia and South America. By 1880, the volume of exports to Australia warranted setting up a dedicated sales office in Melbourne. To overcome import barriers, John Lysaght founded the Victoria Galvanised Iron and Wire Company.[1]
By 1897, the company’s offerings included the original Orb corrugated iron and a more economical Redcliffe line, both widely exported to Australia. The Globe brand was aimed at markets in America and Africa but also found its way into Australia.[2]
From 1893 to 1912, galvanized sheet and plate products made by competitors were produced at Eskbank steelworks in Lithgow, bearing the Eskbank name. Although these were manufactured in smaller quantities with less advanced galvanizing techniques, their quality remained commendable.[3] Attempts by John Lysaght to acquire a stake in Eskbank works in 1905 were unsuccessful; the facility was eventually acquired by G & C Hoskins in 1908, establishing Hoskins as a modest rival.
In 1918, John Lysaght (Australia) Pty Ltd was formed, moving its headquarters from Melbourne to Sydney. By 1921, a rolling mill and galvanizing plant were set up near BHP’s facilities in Newcastle.[4] In 1936, Lysaght purchased the sheet mill and galvanizing operations of Australian Iron & Steel located at Port Kembla. A partnership with American Rolling Mills resulted in the establishment of Commonwealth Rolling Mills at Port Kembla in 1939; Lysaght took full control by 1947.[5]
During the Second World War (1942–1944), Lysaght produced 45,000 units of the Owen gun, designed by Evelyn Owen, for use by the Australian Army. This firearm earned the affectionate moniker "Digger's Darling" due to its dependable performance in combat.[6]
Lysaght transitioned into a publicly listed company in 1961, offering 20% of its shares on the market. By 1969, BHP had acquired a 24% stake; by 1970 ownership was split evenly between BHP and GKN. In 1971, Lysaght expanded by purchasing Brownbuilt’s steel building products division, which was rebranded as Lysaght Brownbuilt Industries. Full ownership by BHP was achieved by 1979. From 1987 until 1999, the company experienced several rebranding phases: Lysaght Building Industries, Lysaght Building Products, BHP Building Products, and BHP Steel Lysaght.[7]
In 2002, BHP Steel debuted on the Australian Securities Exchange under the new name BlueScope. Subsequently, Lysaght adopted the BlueScope Lysaght identity before reclaiming its original Lysaght name in 2013.[8]