120 Years & Still
Forging Ahead
From oil lamp parts in 1904 to supplying the world's most advanced jet engines — the story of Victoria Drop Forgings is one of remarkable heritage, resilience and innovation.
History in the Making
A journey spanning two world wars, the birth of the jet age, and the dawn of modern aerospace manufacturing — all forged from a single workshop in the West Midlands.
The Founding
Victoria Drop Forgings was founded by Edwin Mills, a local toolmaker with a vision for quality manufacturing. The forge initially produced oil lamp and shotgun parts for the Birmingham Box Lock Company — reflecting the era's thriving West Midlands metalworking trade.
The First World War
With the outbreak of war, the forge was seconded to the war effort. Production shifted to manufacturing saddle and bridle hardware, service revolvers and armoured car parts — demonstrating the versatility and precision the company would become renowned for.
Incorporation
The company was formally incorporated as Victoria Drop Forgings Limited, with 5,000 £1 shares issued. A milestone moment that established the legal and commercial foundation for over a century of manufacturing.
Rolls Royce & Early Aviation
Victoria Forgings was awarded orders from Rolls Royce for car components and began manufacturing parts for early aircraft. This relationship with the world's most prestigious engineering brand would prove to be one of the most defining chapters in the company's story.
The Second World War
Production was once again redirected to the war effort. Victoria Forgings played a critical role supplying Rolls Royce with parts for the legendary Merlin engine — the powerplant behind the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster bomber and many more iconic aircraft of the era.
Into the Jet Age
Post-war, the company pivoted to manufacture fittings for early civil and military jet aircraft. Scope expanded to include guided missiles (MOD Ordnance), automotive components and hand tools — a period of remarkable product diversification and engineering growth.
The Passenger Jet Era
As civil aviation boomed, Victoria Forgings grew with it. The company produced components for the Rolls Royce RB211 — one of the most significant aero engines ever built — as well as parts for the Boeing 747 and Lockheed TriStar, shaping the golden age of air travel.
Rolls Royce Trent Partnership
Victoria Forgings became a key subcontractor supporting Rolls Royce in the development of forged fuel pipe connectors for the Trent range of jet engines — a family of powerplants that now propel aircraft including the Airbus A380, Boeing 787 and 777X.
Global Export Begins
Building on the success of the Trent connector programme, Victoria Forgings commenced exporting its range of forged fuel pipe connectors and wing hydraulic components. A new chapter as an internationally recognised precision forging supplier was underway.
Management Buyout & Expansion
GHR Holdings Limited completed a management buyout of the company's assets, also acquiring the Press Forged division from Northern Cam Co Ltd. This investment secured the business for the next generation and expanded production capability significantly.
Still Forging Ahead
Over 120 years on from its founding, Victoria Drop Forgings continues to supply precision components to the world's most demanding industries. AS9100 and ISO 9001:2015 certified, exporting globally, and still independent — the heritage continues.
"Established in 1904 and supplying the aircraft industry since the 1930s, Victoria Forgings is an independent, family-run company renowned for quality and flexibility."
A Legacy Built on Precision
Join the many aerospace, automotive and industrial customers who trust Victoria Forgings to deliver exceptional quality components, on time, every time.