Born-Died: 1823 - 1883

Location: England

Site/Company: N/A

Historical Significance:

William Siemens was a German-born English engineer and inventor who helped develop the steel industry.  In 1861, Siemens patented the Siemens regenerative furnace (open-hearth furnace), which produced steel at a higher temperature than other furnaces.  The steel made in this furnace was better quality than steel made in a Bessemer converter.  By 1900, the open hearth furnace replaced the Bessemer converter as the process of choice worldwide, and remained so until the mid-1900s.

Photograph - 1880

Iron and Steel Hall of Fame Induction - 2018