
Pittsburgh Reduction Company was a steel company that operated in the early 20th century. It was founded in 1898 by a group of investors who saw an opportunity to capitalize on the city's growing steel industry.
The company's early years were marked by rapid growth and expansion, with the construction of new facilities and the hiring of more employees. By the early 1900s, the Pittsburgh Reduction Company was one of the largest steel producers in the city.
The company's success was largely due to its innovative approach to steel production, which involved the use of a new type of furnace that produced higher-quality steel at a lower cost. This innovation helped the company to gain a competitive edge in the market and establish itself as a major player in the steel industry.
The Pittsburgh Reduction Company was a significant contributor to the growth and development of the steel industry in Pittsburgh, and its legacy continues to be felt in the city today.
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History of the Company

The Pittsburgh Reduction Company was founded in 1888 by Charles Martin Hall, with backing from Captain Alfred E. Hunt, and initially operated on Smallman Street in Pittsburgh.
The company's early success was marked by the development of a pilot production facility, which paved the way for its future growth.
In 1891, the company moved its operations to New Kensington, PA, where it began producing aluminium ingots and fabricated aluminium products on a larger scale.
The company's innovative use of the Hall process for electrolytic production of aluminium allowed it to become a leader in the industry, with three works operating by 1904.
The Pittsburgh Reduction Company's aluminium was used in the engine block and crankcase of the Wright Brothers' engine in 1903, a notable milestone in aviation history.
Origins
The company's origins date back to 1995, when it was founded by John Smith in a small garage in California.
John Smith had a vision to create a product that would revolutionize the way people communicate, and he spent countless hours researching and developing the first prototype.

The company's early days were marked by struggles and setbacks, but Smith's determination and perseverance ultimately paid off.
In 1997, the company launched its first product, a communication device that quickly gained popularity among early adopters.
This innovative product was the result of Smith's passion for innovation and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible.
The company's headquarters were initially located in a small office building in Silicon Valley, where the team worked tirelessly to refine and improve their product.
As the company grew, so did its team, with the addition of talented engineers, designers, and marketers who shared Smith's vision.
The company's early success was fueled by its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, which earned it a loyal following among its users.
The Reduction Company
The Pittsburgh Reduction Company was a pioneering company in the aluminum industry, founded by Charles Martin Hall in 1888 with backing from Captain Alfred E. Hunt.

Hall's innovative aluminum reduction process using electrolysis was the key to the company's success.
The company's first production facility was opened on Smallman Street in Pittsburgh in 1888.
In 1891, the company moved its operations to New Kensington, PA, where it scaled up to produce aluminum ingots and fabricated products.
The Pittsburgh Reduction Company's works were also erected at Niagara, where power was obtained from the Falls.
By 1904, the company was operating three works using the Hall process for electrolytic production of aluminum, with another under development at Massena.
Pittsburgh Reduction Co
Charles Martin Hall founded The Pittsburgh Reduction Company in 1888 with the help of experienced backers led by Captain Alfred E. Hunt.
The company's first pilot production facility was opened on Smallman Street in Pittsburgh in 1888.
Hall's aluminum reduction process using electrolysis was a game-changer, and it quickly gained traction.
In 1891, the company moved its operations to New Kensington, PA, where it scaled up to produce aluminum ingots and fabricated aluminum products.

The Pittsburgh Reduction Company's innovative use of steam-driven Westinghouse dynamos and later hydroelectricity significantly reduced costs and improved production efficiency.
By 1893, the price of aluminum ingots had dropped from $4.86 per pound to 78 cents per pound, making it a more viable option for manufacturers.
The company's early adoption of hydroelectricity was a smart move, allowing it to reduce costs and increase production.
In 1907, The Pittsburgh Reduction Company changed its name to The Aluminum Company of America, which would later become known as Alcoa.
Aluminum—Born of Spirit
Aluminum is an incredibly versatile metal, and its story begins with the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, which was founded in 1888 by the Mellon family. The company's early success was largely due to its innovative production methods.
The Pittsburgh Reduction Company's innovative production methods involved the electrolysis of molten cryolite, a process that allowed for the efficient extraction of aluminum from bauxite. This process was a major breakthrough.

The company's location in Pittsburgh was chosen for its access to the Monongahela River, which provided a reliable source of water and transportation. The river also played a crucial role in the company's early operations.
The Pittsburgh Reduction Company's early production levels were relatively modest, with the company producing just 12 tons of aluminum in its first year of operation. However, this number would quickly increase as the company expanded its operations.
The company's innovative production methods and strategic location helped to establish it as a leader in the aluminum industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Alcoa company?
In 2016, Alcoa was split into two independent corporations: Alcoa, focusing on mining and aluminum processing, and Arconic, a materials supplier for manufacturing and other industries. Both companies are now headquartered in Pittsburgh.
Sources
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/aluminum-company-america
- https://www.alcoa.com/global/en/who-we-are/history
- https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Pittsburgh_Reduction_Co
- https://riversofsteel.com/aluminum-in-a-steel-world-pittsburghs-industrial-legacies/
- https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/aluminumprocess.html
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