[2] Washington Steel began production in 1947, with a 39-inch Z-mill much wider than any previously produced (it cost $278,000, installed).
It operated two Sendzimir mills, which were equipped with Pratt and Whitney flying micrometers, capable of rolling 36-inch and 48-inch wide stainless sheet.
[3] The light-gauge stainless steel had exceptional dimensional accuracy and surface quality, and in its first year of operation the company posted net income of $237,000.
The company's ability to achieve dimensional precision in strong, light-gauge steel quickly won favor in the aerospace industry, and was used in the Atlas missile, which served as the launch vehicle for NASA's Project Mercury.
[4] The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WSS on Feb 7, 1968, and remained there until its purchase by Blount, Inc. in 1979.