From wartime aluminium casting and post-war manufacturing innovation, to becoming one of the UK’s leading providers of architectural aluminium and water management solutions, Alumasc’s journey spans more than 80 years of engineering excellence, product development, strategic growth and landmark project achievements.
The origins of Alumasc can be traced back to a factory constructed in 1941/42 to manufacture aluminium cases for incendiary bombs during the Second World War. Employing a predominantly female workforce, the facility became a centre of expertise in low-pressure aluminium die casting. The urgency of wartime production accelerated innovation in aluminium manufacturing techniques, laying the foundations for the company’s future success.
With the end of the war, the government no longer required the factory and a management buyout was completed in partnership with A. Strauss & Company. The new business adopted the name Alumasc, derived from the combination of the first part of the word aluminium “alum” and the initials of A. Strauss & Company “asc”. The specialist casting knowledge developed during wartime was redirected towards innovative products for commercial and industrial markets.
One of Alumasc’s first commercial product ranges was aluminium “Holloware” cookware and bakeware. In a period of post-war reconstruction and material shortages, lightweight, durable aluminium products proved highly popular. The range also provided an ideal opportunity to train a growing workforce in modern aluminium manufacturing techniques.
As production capabilities expanded, Alumasc successfully entered a variety of new markets, including textiles, catering and brewing. Continued investment in machinery and manufacturing expertise enabled the company to broaden its product offering further, including early aluminium rainwater goods such as gutters and downpipes. The company’s customer base expanded rapidly, growing from a single customer to more than 40 businesses within just a few years.
Alumasc was acquired by Consolidated Gold Fields, becoming part of a larger international mining and industrial group. This provided additional resources and investment, supporting the company’s continued growth and diversification.
The 1960s marked a period of significant expansion. Increased demand from the brewing industry, particularly the transition from traditional wooden barrels to metal keg systems, generated substantial growth opportunities. Major contracts, including work for Guinness, helped establish Alumasc as a leading supplier to the brewing sector. This period saw the business expand into automotive castings and brass manufacturing, with its workforce increasing to approximately 750 employees.
Demonstrating its commitment to engineering innovation, Alumasc introduced a pressed-sheet aluminium beer cask that was approximately 40% lighter than conventional die-cast alternatives. The product offered significant handling and transportation advantages for breweries and distributors.
While retaining its strong position within the brewing industry, Alumasc increasingly focused on specialist building products. During this decade, the company’s aluminium rainwater systems and architectural products gained significant market share, establishing foundations for many of today’s core product ranges.
A management buyout led by Chairman John McCall acquired Alumasc from Consolidated Gold Fields, returning the business to independent ownership. This marked the beginning of a new period of strategic growth and development.
Alumasc became a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange. By now, the business was Britain’s largest manufacturer of beer barrels, and was also operating successfully across construction, engineering and industrial markets.
Alumasc introduced Aqualine, providing architects and specifiers with a modern aluminium rainwater system that combined performance, aesthetics and design flexibility. The range would become a cornerstone of the company’s rainwater portfolio.
The Skyline brand was launched with the introduction of aluminium fascias, soffits and coping systems. Combining contemporary aesthetics with long-term durability, Skyline established a new architectural aluminium offering that would continue to expand for decades.
Alumasc strengthened its rainwater market position through the acquisition of Apex Gutter Systems, broadening its product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities within the construction sector. The company now offered rainwater systems in both aluminium and cast iron.
The Guardian range was introduced, further extending Alumasc’s architectural and water management offering, and reinforcing the company’s reputation for engineered building envelope solutions.
The launch of GX provided architects and contractors with a contemporary aluminium rainwater solution featuring clean, modern aesthetics and outstanding hydraulic performance.
The cast aluminium range of gutters and downpipes rebranded to Heritage Aluminium in response to the rise in heritage and refurbishment projects. The range provides traditional cast-iron aesthetics combined with the benefits of modern aluminium manufacturing.
Alumasc products were selected for the restoration and redevelopment of London’s iconic St Pancras International train station. The prestigious project demonstrated the company’s capability in delivering solutions suitable for nationally significant architectural landmarks.
Skyline soffit systems were specified for the redevelopment of Wimbledon Centre Court, reinforcing Skyline’s reputation as a trusted solution for major sporting and high-profile construction projects.
Alumasc pioneered an industry first drainage calculator that integrates Alumasc Rainwater, Harmer Roof outlets and Gatic Slotdrain products enabling designers to accurately size and specify high performance rainwater and drainage solutions with unprecedented speed and confidence.
Alumasc Rainwater expanded beyond aluminium and iron by introducing a range of steel gutters and downpipes, broadening choice for designers and contractors.
The AX range was introduced, offering contemporary aluminium gutter profiles designed to meet the needs of modern architectural projects.
The formation of Alumasc Water Management Solutions brought together a portfolio of leading drainage, rainwater and architectural brands under a unified division. The move strengthened the company’s ability to deliver fully integrated building envelope and water management solutions.
Alumasc products were specified as part of the restoration of the Royal Albert Hall, once again demonstrating the company’s expertise in delivering solutions for some of Britain’s most iconic buildings.
Alumasc rebranded its steel rainwater range as Infinity Steel, introducing updated branding and expanding its position in the lightweight steel rainwater market.
The introduction of AX SnapFix represented a significant advancement in aluminium rainwater installation technology, providing faster fitting, improved aesthetics and reduced site labour requirements.
Alumasc Group plc transferred its listing from the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange to AIM, creating a platform for continued growth, investment and strategic development.
The Infinity range expanded Alumasc’s rainwater portfolio with a contemporary, high-capacity architectural solution designed to meet the requirements of modern construction projects. Alumasc became the first manufacturer in the UK to offer rainwater systems in aluminium, iron, steel, copper and zinc.
Alumasc Group was awarded the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark in recognition of its contribution to sustainable construction, environmental performance and low-carbon building solutions.
The Skyline range evolved beyond fascias, soffits and copings with the introduction of Window Surrounds, Column Casings, Door Canopies and Planters. This expansion transformed Skyline into a comprehensive architectural aluminium portfolio, enabling designers to specify coordinated façade enhancement solutions from a single manufacturer.
The continued evolution of the Skyline brand saw the launch of Skyline Rainscreen Cladding. Featuring both secret-fix and cassette panel options, alongside engineered support bracketry and rail systems, the range expanded Skyline into the rapidly growing ventilated façade market. CWCT-tested and designed to complement the wider Skyline portfolio, the system represents the latest chapter in Alumasc’s ongoing commitment to architectural innovation.
