An unused and graffiti-covered Tips Iron & Steel building is among the first things seen by passengers when the Amtrak train stops in Austin.
Austin American-Statesman
Jim Duncan, a retired city planner, has written more than 600 short histories of Austin businesses. We introduced him and this series, “Jim Duncan’s Austin,” on July 6. This week, we adapt three of his histories. — Michael Barnes
1899: Tips Iron & Steel/ATX Steel
While Austin aspired to manufacturing prominence, it never pretended to be another Pittsburgh. Yet it is home to at least one 120-year-old steel foundry.
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In 1899, Joseph Andrew Bachman founded Bachman Foundry and Machine Company at Third and Guadalupe streets. After a fire damaged the building in 1904, he purchased four acres of city-owned land at Third and Baylor streets for $25,000 and moved his foundry 10 blocks west.
The site contained a three-story structure, which stands today opposite the Amtrak station. Adolph’s son, Ralph, became president of the company in 1929. He was also active in community affairs and served as president of the Chamber of Commerce.
The company originally serviced and repaired engines and other mechanical equipment, but later built a full range of gasoline-powered engines for irrigation pumps, power plants and cotton gins.
During the 1920s and 1930s, Tips manufactured structural steel for bridges and buildings. The company’s work can still be seen in the Driskill Hotel addition and the Travis County Courthouse.
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In the late 1990s, the business was purchased by Steve Wimberly, who rebranded it as ATX Steel and ATX Crane.
1913: Austin Metal & Iron
In this age of environmental awareness, Austin Metal may be one of the coolest local businesses you’ve probably never heard of. Located in the middle of Austin, its rapidly growing technology center is a three-acre scrapyard containing tons of iron, steel and aluminum. It recycles aluminum, copper, iron and other scrap metals.
During World War II, Austin Metal was at the center of wartime scrap metal collection for Central Texas. Founded in 1913 by two Polish immigrant brothers, Samuel “Sam” and James “Jim” Novy, on a small plot at 503 Neches St., it moved to Fifth Street and East Avenue (now Interstate 35) in 1915, and to its present site at 908 E. Fourth St. in 1923.
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In 1947, Jim’s son-in-law, Morris Shapiro, joined the firm. Austin Metal has constantly adapted to changes in the industry and developed long-term, solid relationships with associated mills.
In 2015, Austin Metal received an award from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries for “outstanding achievement, distinguished leadership and contribution to the recycling industry.” Normally given to an individual, this was the first time in history that the honor went to a family.
Sam Novy died in 1918, Jim Novy in 1971 and Morris Shapiro in 2017. Morris’s son, Robert L. “Bobby” Shapiro, is the current president.
1955: Westbrook Metals
Since Westbrook Metals was founded by Terry Mathis Westbrook in 1955, it has had two locations and is currently in the process of moving to a third. The firm provides various types of metal in customized shapes and sizes to other businesses.
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Current owner Terry Don Westbrook notes that their current location is “going all high-rise, multifamily residential (and) it’s just harder and harder to operate an industrial-type business in the area, getting trucks in and out, and we’ve just outgrown the facilities.”
In 1960, Westbrook Metals moved to its current 27,000-square-foot facility at 658 Canion St. near North Lamar and Airport Boulevard.
The new facility will have almost twice as much floor space and be at 8208 Burleson Road, just off U.S. 183 near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
An added benefit of the new location is that it will be nearer many of the firm’s customers — typically machine shops, metal fabricators, repair shops and welders. The company operates a facility in San Antonio.
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Please send tips and questions to mbarnes@statesman.com.
Most recent entries from ‘Jim Duncan’s Austin’
Pemberton Castle, Castle Hill, Chateau Bellevue
Scottish Rite Theater, Millett Opera House, Varsity Theater
Hotel Vegas, Base Command, Avenue Hotel
Lammes Candies, York Rite Masonic Temple, Davis Grocers/Capital Grille
Pearl House/La Peña, Volente Beach, Cedar Door
Bertram Building/Clay Pit, Sandy’s Frozen Custard, The Villager
Uptown Sports Club, Bullock Hotel, Avenue B Grocery
Barr Mansion, King-Tears Mortuary, ABC Pest Control
German Free School, Garza-Mohawk Building, Stratford Arms
Roy’s Taxi, The Cloak Room, Gold Dollar Building
Peter Pan Mini-Golf, Hofheintz-Reissig Compound, Robinson-Rosner Building
Estrada’s Cleaners, Boggy Creek Farm, Marshall’s Barber Shop
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