At a time when most small iron works produced strips, kettles, and nails, the Brandywine Iron Works rolled boiler plate for the new steam engines. Dr. Lukens and his employees rolled iron plate that was wider and more uniform in strength — they bought good pig iron and good charcoal, employed skilled labor, and built a reputation for quality. The steam engine was widely used, which created a strong demand for reliable and inexpensive boiler plate. Dr. Lukens and the Brandywine Iron Works established a reputation as a quality boiler plate manufacturer.