A historic Sheffield steel firm has unveiled plans for 12 new buildings in a multi-million pound expansion set to create 172 jobs.

Independent Forgings and Alloys wants to double capacity at its site on Livesey Street, near Owlerton dog track, where forging dates back to 1587.

The business has submitted a planning application for a ring forge, 3,000 tonne press forge bay, machine shop and several warehouses. The plans also include an extension of the current press forge and stamp hammer building.

In the forge at Independent Forgings and Alloys which is set for major expansion. | im

placeholder image — In the forge at Independent Forgings and Alloys which is set for major expansion. | im

In a Linkedin post the firm said: “This strategic investment will double our forging capacity through the introduction of advanced technologies, improving efficiency and reducing material waste.

“This exciting project follows our investment by Trive Capital Dallas, Texas, who acquired IFA in February 2025.”

IFA makes components for the aerospace, defence, oil and gas, power generation and industrial processing industries.

Manipulator at Independent Forgings and Alloys. | im

The planning application states it employs 293 and the investment would add 172 jobs over a two-and-a-half year programme.

The investment is “substantial” and a vote of confidence in the skills and capacity for growth of IFA’s operations it adds.

It also says: “"The first known forging activity on the application site was in 1587.

CGI showing new buildings on IFA's Livesey Street, Owlerton, site beside the River Loxely. | IFA

Sign up to our free daily newsletter today and stay up-to-date on everything happening across Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

“The company that would later become IFA Ltd - in 2001 - was first founded in 1778.

“Against this backdrop, this planning application represents the next stage of evolution for a business that is both embedded in the history of Sheffield and an important part of its cutting-edge future.”

The application also notes the importance of flood defences along much of the western boundary of the site along the River Loxley following catastrophic flooding in Sheffield in 2007.

They were delivered by Sheffield City Council as part of the £11m Phase 1 of the Sheffield Upper Don Valley Flood Protection Scheme, which was completed in autumn 2023.