The Leeds Forge Co Ltd was formed in 1873 to take over the existing business of toolmakers carried on by Messrs Samson and William Fox, and to erect works for the manufacture of iron and steel. From 1877 onwards the company produced Fox's Corrugated Furnaces, which became world famous. The manufacture of rolling stock of pressed steel construction was commenced in 1887.

The Leeds Forge Co Ltd took an active part in the design, development and construction of all-steel carriages whilst their wagons were of distinctive design with low tare weights. They specialised also in the manufacture of pressed steel carriage and wagon bogies and underframes. The works were closed at Leeds soon after the amalgamation and the business was transferred to Saltley.