Major Milestones
August 1956
The company was founded by Robert Coghlan who, having worked for the family steel business, Coghlan Bright Steel, in Leeds since the early 1940’s, came down to London to set up a Bright Steel Stockholding business, on the ground floor at 55-57, Strafford Road, Acton, London W3.
The automotive sector was becoming increasingly important within the manufacturing industry and stockholders were seen as a vital part in the supply chain for those customers whose demand was too small to warrant mill deliveries. This new industry soon became established in catering for the exact needs of precision engineers whether it be for bar lengths or sawn cut pieces.
May 1964
After a successful start, a Compulsory Purchase Order was imposed on the premises, to make way for high rise flats being built in the area. The Company moved to one half of a new building in Gordon Road, The Causeway, Staines, Middlesex and doubled its physical size to 12,500 sq. ft. Many companies were moving out of London at the time and relocating along the new motorway corridors under construction that were stretching out from the capital.
July 1973
Elder son Anthony Coghlan joined the business.
July 1975
New automatic bandsaws were purchased to cater for the ever increasing demand for sawn cut pieces being required on CNC machinery and bars cut in half or in three, for automatic bar feeders in the repetition turned parts business.
April 1982
Younger son Robin Coghlan joined the business.
April 1985
The Company takes over the other half of the unit and new offices were built which comprised 23,000 sq. ft. of warehouse and 4000 sq. ft. of office space, enabling us to stock and handle many more different specifications and sizes.
February 1986
The Company designs and begins the manufacture of its own patented bright steel bar handling system. Based on a modular system, it will allow one man to handle and reorganise over 500 tonnes per week while providing batch traceability at all times. Stock checks will take a matter of minutes to complete.
October 1986
London’s new orbital motorway the M25, was completed and with the Company located only one mile from junction 13, this turned out to be a stroke of good fortune with this motorway critical in transporting our goods to market all around the south of England and for customers collecting and suppliers alike.
July 1987
The first of three 10m span Demag overhead gantry cranes were installed to operate the new storage system and improve the handling of stock.
May 1995
Stainless steel is added to the range.
January 2000
The stock range continues to expand so that we now stock the largest range of engineering steel in the south of England. Aluminium and brass are also added to the range to cater for an increasing number of “multi metal” consumers looking to purchase their materials from one supplier.
April 2001
Steelmaster, our own bespoke computer software and specifically developed for our business, goes “live”. This metal trading platform is fully integrated into every aspect of our stock, whether it be bars, sawn pieces or “specials”, giving us complete batch traceability, automatic certification and commercial control.
July 2002
The Company is now operating a fleet of 8 vehicles daily.
October 2004
Following the death of Robert Coghlan, ownership of the Company is transferred to his two sons, Anthony and Robin who have worked for the Company for many years on the commercial and works sides respectively.
July 2005
The Company purchases its first carbide cold saw.
August 2006
After 3 years of manufacture, the Company completes its own design of a high density long shorts system that allows short ends to be retrieved for cutting within a matter of minutes.
July 2009
Box section and Sheet are added to the range.
August 2016
The Company celebrates 60 years of trading.
January 2018
Nigel Holland and David Tomlin are appointed Finance and Sales Directors respectively.
