Sterling Metals Factory circa. 1941

In fact, delving into the Alumasc archives will take you back to 1941 when we started life as Sterling Metals, with a mainly female workforce, specialising in the manufacture of war materials which were used during World War Two.

Due to the urgency of war, we became expert at finding ways to speed up the process of low pressure die casting aluminium…and so it began.

Once the war was over, the Sterling Metals factory was no longer needed by the government and a buy-out was organised, in partnership with London-based A Strauss and Company. The initials ASC were added to the word ‘Aluminium’ and the new company name Alumasc was born. The expertise acquired during wartime was then put to use in peacetime for the manufacture of goods for the commercial market.

The move from war material production to peacetime manufacturing also meant that Alumasc had to find new market niches and customers. The first range to be brought out was “Holloware” Aluminium cook and bakeware. There was a ready market for it, and it was also a suitable product for teaching unskilled workers the new manufacturing processes involved in producing goods made from aluminium.

As output grew, new skills were learned and the company became profitable, new machinery was acquired, and the company diversified its range to include things like rainwater goods such as downpipes and gutters. By 1948, the number of customer firms supplied by Alumasc had increased from 1 to 44.

Between 1949 and 1950 the company range expanded further to include products for the textile and catering industries  and the brewery trade. The 1950s brought steady growth in range and output, and the increase in facilities and technology saw the factory grow in size. The customer base rose to 1100.

Further consolidation and expansion took place in the 1960s and growth in the popularity of metal kegs being used to deliver beer took over from wooden barrels, which led to a large order from Guinness.

The product range was then expanded further to include the manufacture of castings for the motor trade. Further diversification came with the development of brass casting and by the mid-60s, the company employed about 750 people.

Since then the company has consolidated its position and broadened its product range, responding to customer needs with the same expertise and investment which it pioneered at its inception.

Much of the manufacturing process and related technology may have changed, but the present-day workforce follows in the traditions of manufacturing excellence laid down over half a century ago, and the company’s list of major customers testifies to the standards it achieves and maintains.

The company continues to be a market leader in the manufacture and supply of Cast Iron and Aluminium Rainwater products with our installations being found on massively prestigious projects such as The Imperial War Museum and Marylebone Train Station. All of which, we hope are around in another 60 years as testament to the quality of our products.

The original Grade I Listed Mansion House at Luton Hoo was designed by Robert Adam, with gardens created by Capability Brown. The estate was acquired by the Elite Hotels Group in 1999 and underwent an extensive restoration and refurbishment programme to create the present-day luxury hotel.

Alumasc Heritage Aluminium 125mm half-round gutter profile and 102mm downpipe has been used on the most recent phase. This work involved the refurbishment and construction of a number of buildings including the Parkland Wing, the Garden Wing and Stables conversion.

Clague Architects specified the Heritage system as it was in keeping with both the new and refurbished areas which have been designed to carefully respect the setting of the historic estate. It was also important that Alumasc was able to offer technical and on-site support throughout the installation.

Heritage Cast Aluminium is also available ex-stock with the popular textured black PPC finish, in Half Round 4”, 4½” and 5” profiles and Circular Pipe in 2½” and 3” diameters, offering an unrivalled lead time of 3 days.  Alumasc are the only manufacturer to supply their Aluminium Rainwater Systems accredited with BBA Approved Powder Coatings.

For more information on Heritage Cast Aluminium click here



The two industry giants have joined forces to provide the construction industry with a one stop solution for rainwater management and recycling. The partnership, was launched at Ecobuild 2012, and brings together Alumasc’s experience in roofing and rainwater run-off with Stormsaver’s expertise in the collection, filtration and reuse of rainwater.

As one of the leading suppliers of metal rainwater goods in the UK, Alumasc has provided roofing and guttering solutions for some of the most prestigious sites in the UK and was keen to associate with an industry heavyweight who could work with them to provide an unrivalled environmental solution to a joint client base.

Managing Director for Alumasc Rainwater, Paul Hetherington, explains, “Over the last few years, we’ve seen considerable growth in demand for sustainable building products, with our clients looking to reduce their environmental impact and cut their energy and water use.

“Stormsaver’s rainwater harvesting systems reflect our high quality standards, have proven effectiveness and will give our clients great value for money. That’s why Stormsaver was the obvious choice for Alumasc to partner with.”

Stormsaver’s Managing Director Michael Farnsworth comments, “Alumasc are the ideal partner for us and share our ethos for top build quality. Our combined expertise will provide the construction industry with a one-stop solution for rainwater goods that deliver a return on investment by recycling rainwater.”

For more information, call Alumasc on 01744 648400 or Stormsaver on 0844 884 0015

Alumasc have announced that it is to supply its Alumasc Rainwater and Harmer Drainage range through two of the UK’s leading independent merchant buyers groups, resulting in a great deal for members and their customers.

Alumasc is now a Preferred Supplier for The Combined Buying Association (CBA) Group which supports leading independent builders, timber and plumbers’ merchants, and an Approved Supplier for the H&B Group – the UK’s fastest growing buying organisation for independent builders’ merchants.

John Coe, Rainwater and Drainage Business Manager at Alumasc, comments “This deal is excellent news for the members of both CBA and H&B, providing customers with wider access to Alumasc’s market- leading range of Alumasc Rainwater and Harmer Drainage products.

“Members will also be included within the stockist search facility on the Alumasc Rainwater and Harmer websites and will benefit from referral business from Alumasc’s Area Sales Managers covering the UK and Ireland.”

Alumasc offers members and their customers the most comprehensive range of high quality rainwater and drainage systems on the market, with an extensive range of the most popular Aluminium and Cast Iron rainwater systems now available ex-stock with an unrivalled lead time of 3 days.

The company will also offer excellent support to members to increase sales of these ranges. Stockists will have access to a brand new range of eye-catching Point of Sale material, designed to assist in the stocking and presentation of Alumasc Rainwater systems. Display boards, posters and large external PVC banners are available in a range of sizes, with complimentary mugs for members to give away.

John Coe concludes: “We’re delighted to have finalised the agreements with CBA and H&B as they represent a great deal for the members, their customers and for Alumasc. In return, the agreement gives us a wider independent merchant base for our Alumasc Rainwater and Harmer Drainage offers.”

For details of Alumasc Rainwater systems, click here

For details of Harmer Drainage, click here

The massive £4 million project saw the renovation of Marylebone’s 150-metre long station shed roof covering four of the station’s six platforms. Beginning in May 2010, the works were managed by the main contractor, Morgan Sindall, on behalf of Network Rail, and were completed in January 2011.

With their distinctive red, black and silver livery, the hoppers and downpipes at Marylebone were one of the defining details of the Grade II listed train shed. In order to meet English Heritage guidelines, these cast iron fittings had to be replaced with exact copies. Alumasc’s Heritage Cast Aluminium was specified to replicate the original cast iron system, delivering high performance and low maintenance requirements with all the benefits of modern manufacturing technology.

As one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of rainwater systems, Alumasc is renowned for its heritage ranges and ability to replicate historic components. The Heritage made-to-order range in cast aluminium met the needs of the project on every level, and involved high levels of involvement from Alumasc’s technical team who rose to the challenge of replicating the exact historic designs and RAL colours of the original system.

The historic status of the building, restricted schedule and central London location presented many challenges to the manufacturers, suppliers and installers working on it. From the outset, Alumasc liaised closely with BSS Drainage, and installers Cover Structure, in order to plan the schedule in detail, with a lot of work taking place overnight while the station was empty.

On the success of the project, Network Rail route director Jo Kaye comments: “The new roof at Marylebone has made a huge difference to the station environment and provides passengers with a lighter, brighter travelling experience. This is the first of several projects to restore and renew our London stations so it is excellent news that the work at Marylebone has been delivered on time and on budget.”

For more information, click here 

A sensitive design solution by architects Isherwood and Ellis saw the redundant Grade B1 listed primary school converted into 30 self-contained apartments by building contractors Connolly and Fee Ltd for the social housing provider Connswater Homes. 

As a Grade B1 listed building, the facade could not be significantly altered, leading Isherwood and Ellis to specify Alumasc’s Heritage Cast Aluminium rainwater system with a black textured finish to replicate the school’s original cast iron system. The Heritage Cast Aluminium range is ideal for traditionally designed buildings and can be used for the direct replacement of cast iron, whilst offering all the benefits of modern aluminium casting techniques and factory finish.

The system, which was supplied by Alumasc approved supplier PFC Rainwater Systems of Newtownabbey in County Antrim, has minimal maintenance requirements and is lightweight, durable and easy to handle and fix. The moulded profile specified for Mersey Street was one of five profiles that are available in the range, alongside a choice of imperial sizes and RAL colours to suit all projects.

The Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland opened the new £3 million development in November and added: “This really is an impressive development and good news for the people of East Belfast. Not only does this innovative project provide much needed new housing in an area of high housing need, but it rescues a much loved historic building of local importance.”

For more information about Alumasc’s Heritage Cast Aluminium rainwater systems, click here

For details of Cast Aluminium ex-stock and lead times, click here

The unique four-part calculator offers the following:

- Foul Drainage Calculator

- Internal Rainwater Drainage Calculator

- Flat Roof Calculator

- Rainwater Gutter Calculator

Drainage Design Calculator Software

The new software can be downloaded here free of charge, it will then be saved on the users PC with an easy access direct from the Desktop Icon. Users will also benefit from quick NBS Specification generation which links directly from the from the calculator results.

Alumasc has provided a complete rainwater and drainage solution for the award-winning Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre in Oxfordshire.

Located in the town centre of Witney, Marriotts Walk incorporates flagship stores, a cinema, restaurants and 143 new homes. The scheme was designed and built by Simons Group and has recently won the prestigious ‘Sustainable Communities’ Award from the Royal Town Planning Institute South East Region.

Alumasc worked closely with Simons on the design of the rainwater system which needed to suit the character of the historic town centre whilst offering the performance demanded by a contemporary build project.

Carried out by Alumasc’s approved installer Northants Rainwater Systems Ltd, the resulting installation was a combination of Heritage Cast Aluminium, to complement existing architecture in the traditional areas, with Aqualine and Flushjoint for the newly built, more modern areas.

The package at Marriotts Walk also included Harmer Drainage Outlets and the Harmer SML soil and waste system which were supplied in the public facilities across the scheme.

For more information on Alumasc’s range of rainwater products click here.

For more information on Alumasc drainage products click here.

But never a company to rest on its laurels, Alumasc is fully aware of industry changes that affect everyday working methods and continually strives to offer the best products and the best service on the market today.

In a move designed solely for the benefit of Contractors and Merchants in the building industry, an extensive range of Alumasc’s most popular Aluminium and Cast Iron rainwater systems has been made available ex-stock with an unrivalled lead time of 3 days.

With huge stock levels of over £2million being available at any one time, never before has Alumasc’s service been so perfectly tailored to the needs of modern building projects. Furthermore, in an industry first, for projects carrying tight deadlines Alumasc offers an Express Delivery – Next Day Service.

An extensive range of Alumasc’s Apex Heritage painted and primed Cast Iron Rainwater is also available ex-stock, offering the most well-used profiles, namely Half Round gutters in 4”, 4½” and 5” diameters and rainwater pipes in 2½” and 3” diameters, in a high quality 2-pack epoxy primer and top coat finish. Now also available in a range of 8 standard colour options.

Designing your system, identifying the right product and getting it delivered to site, has never been easier – or faster – thanks to Alumasc.

Download the new Alumasc Rainwater Lead Times sheet

For projects carrying tight deadlines, Alumasc now offers an Express Delivery – Next Day Service for our ex-stock range, ensuring our products arrive on site the next day.

As one of the UK’s market leading suppliers of Cast Iron Rainwater Systems, Alumasc is constantly aware of industry changes that affect the everyday working methods of its colleagues in the building industry.

By removing the need for post-installation paintwork, Alumasc painted cast Iron offers up to a 60% saving on installation time and 30% saving in materials.  

The highly durable 4-coat factory-finish comprises 2 coats of primer, 1 undercoat and a topcoat, which can last up to 7 years before re-painting is required. Now also available in a range of standard colour options.

To search for local stockists, click here

New Rainwater Lead Times

For more details on Alumasc’s Cast Iron Rainwater Systems, click here