Hadfields Limited

The over-capacity of Britain's steel industry forced the closure of the Leeds Road plant in June 1981 and the East Hecla workforce was much reduced.

Lonrho finally closed the last part of Hadfields in 1983 receiving compensation from GKN and the British Steel Corporation.

Robert Hadfield (c.1831-20 March 1888) who died aged 57 after a long illness, belonged to a family with close links to steel makers (Brown's) and Sheffield's cutlery industry.

Following the death of his wire-maker partner, Shipman, Hadfield began in 1869 his own steel casting business on a site close by the River Don, off Newhall Road, Attercliffe.

In compliance with his will his business was transferred to a limited liability company incorporated the year of his death and shares offered to the general public.

Once rolling stock reached higher speeds and increased weight Era had to be used for steel points and crossings for railways and tramways.

[5] His host at Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield, spoke of the satisfaction of all who knew the excellent relations prevailing between England and Germany.

[7] Plant included some 300 electric steam and other overhead cranes, 21 large and small locomotives, more than 21 miles of railway, 250 heating furnaces and hydraulic forging presses up to about 2,000 tons capacity.

[12] The over-capacity of Britain's steel industry forced 1800 employees to be made redundant from Hadfields' Leeds Road plant in June 1981[13] and the East Hecla workforce much reduced.

[14] Lonrho finally closed the last part of Hadfields in 1983 receiving compensation from GKN and the British Steel Corporation.