Columbia Grey Iron Company

Columbia, Pennsylvania

The Columbia Grey Iron Company was incorporated August, 19 1891 with $50,000 in capital to manufacture toys, hardware, cutlery, and tools.  An entirely new plant was built, and by the spring of 1892 they were producing product.  H.S. Stauffer, president of the Grey Iron Casting Company of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania was the general manager of the new company and William M Spera superintendent.

On April 29, 1906 a fire started in the cupola of the foundry resulting in $5,000 in damages.  The plant was only partially damaged and within three months they were back in full production

On July 14, 1911 the shops of the Columbia Grey Iron Company were extensively damaged by fire.  Losses were estimated at $25,000 which was only partially covered by insurance.  The foundry itself escaped damage.  Two hundred men were thrown out of work.  It was believed the work was arson as the fire originated in three different sections of the plant. 

After being rebuilt the plant was later sold in 1913.  Production was shifted to the manufacture of semi-steel castings which were used extensively in the automotive industry.