Algoma Endures
The effect of the Great Depression hits Sault Ste. Marie and ultimately forces the Company into receivership.
Algoma Undergoes a Major Expansion
Algoma’s No. 3 blast furnace with a capacity of 450 tons per day was constructed along with a modern gas engine plant, three additional open-hearth furnaces, new docks and several merchant mills were constructed to increase Algoma’s product lines. By 1912, The Algoma Steel Corporation was formed.
No. 1 Blast Furnace is Commissioned
This marked the largest charcoal blast furnace ever built and operated. In its first year, it established a world production record of 173 tons of pig iron in a 24 hour period. By March, Algoma’s No. 2 Blast Furnace was commissioned.
First Steel is Cast
The steelmaking process (Bessemer) went into operation, producing the liquid steel that would be cast into ingots and rolled into the very rails that would ultimately unite the nation from coast to coast.
Algoma is Born
Thanks to the vision of Algoma’s founding father Francis Clergue, February marked the start of construction of the new iron and steel plant, named the Algoma Iron, Nickel and Steel Company. It took almost a year to the day to complete construction. It was an exciting, albeit modest beginning for Algoma: with two small blast furnaces, a 60 ton Bessemer furnace, a 23- inch bloom rolling mill and rail mill.