Ulbrich (company)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Stainless steel and specialty metals |
| Founded | 1924 |
| Founder | Frederick Christian Ulbrich Sr. |
| Headquarters | North Haven, Connecticut , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Stainless steel and specialty metal products including rolled strip metal, foils, flat wire, round wire, shaped wire, fine wire, photovoltaic ribbon, metal sheets and plates |
Ulbrich, formally known as Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals Inc., is a privately held American multinational enterprise that specializes in the distribution and production of stainless steel and specialty metals. The company is headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut and maintains 13 facilities globally, which include four manufacturing plants.
History
The company was established in 1924 by Frederick Christian Ulbrich Sr. under the name The Fred Ulbrich Company in Wallingford, Connecticut. Initially operating as a scrap yard, the business shifted its emphasis to stainless steel in 1936 after completing a strategic merger. In 1937, it launched Victory Cutlery Company, a now-defunct subsidiary dedicated to cutlery manufacturing.
During World War II, Ulbrich obtained government contracts to provide stainless steel mess kits for the U.S. Army. In the 1950s, the cutlery division was divested as the firm transitioned toward rolling and slitting strip metal, investing heavily in rolling mills to accommodate increasing demand.
By 1963, Ulbrich had broadened its portfolio to include nickel alloys and specialty metals tailored for aerospace clients. To secure certification as a supplier for Pratt & Whitney, the company allocated an entire year's profits to develop a testing laboratory. This investment enabled contracts with the United States Air Force for programs such as the B-70 Valkyrie and Rockwell B-1 Lancer.
In 1968, Ulbrich expanded by opening its second facility, Ulbrich of Illinois, which specialized in stainless steel strip production. The company also contributed metal components for NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. Following these achievements, it was incorporated as Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., with ownership transferred to the founder’s three sons.
Between 1982 and 1986, the company extended its operations by establishing new plants in Connecticut, Georgia, and California. The acquisition of Diversified Stainless of Canada brought two additional Canadian manufacturing sites under its umbrella, while a service center was inaugurated in Queretéro, Mexico, in 1998. Since the turn of the century, Ulbrich has sustained its international expansion alongside increased sales and revenue growth.
On January 31, 2022, Ulbrich acquired a facility in California from Allegheny Technologies, subsequently renaming it Ulbrich of California.
Products
Ulbrich provides an extensive selection of stainless steel and specialty metal products including rolled strip metal, stainless and metal foils, flat wire, round wire, shaped wire, fine wire, photovoltaic (PV) ribbon used in solar technology, as well as metal sheets and plates made from stainless steel. Their long product lines are exclusively manufactured at their Canadian locations.
As of 2023, Ulbrich produces more than 165 different alloy varieties throughout its product offerings.