Our history
125 years of innovation and excellence
Since our founding in 1897, Chesterfield Special Cylinders has been at the forefront of high-pressure gas containment solutions. From pioneering technologies to expanding onto the global stage, our journey is marked by a commitment to innovation, quality, and reliability. Join us as we explore the key milestones that have shaped our legacy.
Our journey
1897
The Universal Steel Tubes Limited is formed.
The company employed 180 people and operated in Chesterfield UK, manufacturing boiler and economiser tubes, cold drawn steam pipes for naval construction and cylinders for compressed gas.
1906
Establishment of The Chesterfield Tube Company Ltd (CTCO).
CTCO was founded, and the first Directors meeting was held on 5 December 1906. Director Joe Trevorrow revolutionised the manufacturing process with the first drawings for seamless cylinder manufacture from hot pierced billet.
1912
First seamless stainless steel tubes manufactured
CTCO manufactured the first seamless stainless steel tubes, setting a new standard in the industry.
1929
Joined Tube Investments Ltd.
CTCO joined Tube Investments Ltd, pioneering the extrusion process and expanding its capabilities.
1938
Heavy tube department opened
The Heavy Tube Department was opened, further enhancing production capabilities.
1939
1,000,000 cylinders manufactured
The first 1,000,000 cylinders were made between 1912 and 1939 and the company diversified products even further, supplying modern aircraft oxygen cylinders for high altitude flying, lightweight cylinders for gas at high pressure for motor vehicles and anti aircraft barrage balloons (critical during World War II).
1961
10 Million Cylinders
By 1961, CTCO had manufactured and supplied over 10,000,000 cylinders to a diverse customer base.
1973
Name change to TI Chesterfield Limited
The company’s name was changed to TI Chesterfield Limited, marking a new era of innovation and growth.
1982
Formation of Chesterfield Cylinders Limited
Chesterfield Cylinders Limited was established, specialising in high-pressure gas cylinders with advanced design techniques and meticulous testing standards.
2004
Management buyout and relocation
John Hayward led a management buyout, renaming the business Chesterfield Special Cylinders and relocating to Sheffield, the UK home of steel.
2015
The Chesterfield Special Cylinders Integrity Management team was formed and through-life services launched
A dedicated Integrity Management team was created for in-situ inspection, testing and recertification. Delivering major time and financial savings for customers by decreasing down-time on rigs and ships worldwide.
2021
Hydrogen market growth
Continued growth in the hydrogen market prompted a strategic move to focus on generating new business from hydrogen storage sales and through-life cylinder inspection, testing and recertification services.
2021
Major hydrogen supply chain contracts won
We secured our first hydrogen refuelling orders, including the supply of high-pressure storage for Shell’s hydrogen refuelling station in the Netherlands. We developed an optimised Type 1 steel cylinder design to meet demanding international standards and allow for modular expansion to meet future demand. Storage was also configured to enable cost-effective in-situ inspection and recertification with maximum availability.
2022
Celebrating 125 years of Chesterfield Special Cylinders
We celebrated 125 years since being established in 1897. This anniversary coincides with Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee where we were recognised for our outstanding contribution to supporting the UK’s defence sector.
2023
Major defence contract win
We were awarded our single biggest defence order to date worth £18.2 million, to supply air pressure vessels for a major UK naval new construction programme. The vessels are to form an integral part of safety-critical onboard systems, including breathing air and ballasting
2023
Breakthrough with supporting industrial decarbonisation
We announced a partnership in the groundbreaking Hydrogen for the Decarbonisation of Sheffield Steel (HYDESS) project. Awarded funding by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, this initiative marked a significant step forward in the Industrial Hydrogen Accelerator Programme: Stream 2B. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to sustainable design and manufacturing practices but also reinforces our role in supporting Sheffield’s steelmakers in their journey toward a greener future.
2024
Major defence contract award
We confirmed the award of a major contract to supply air pressure vessels to the Royal Canadian Navy’s River-class destroyer programme. The £2.8 million contract award by Canadian shipbuilder Irving Shipbuilding Inc. underpins the expected global defence order book development for our company in FY25.