Orb steelworks opened in 1899 as a production facility for the Wolverhampton-based John Lysaght Ltd. Initially the works rolled sheet steel for galvanising in Bristol. There is substantial wharfage on the River Usk, using the first electric travelling crane in the world. The works were developed for the production of sheet steel for the motor industry through the 1920-30s and in recent times the works have specialised in a range of electrical steels.
Source: A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of South East Wales, AIA, 2003.
Claire Parry, RCAHMW, 20 June 2011.