Started in 1889 to make specialty steel for the U.S. Navy, Carpenter makes an array of corrosion-resistant materials for customers in the aerospace, industrial, and medical industries. Most of its sales still come from stainless steel products and alloys, but a large percentage also comes from titanium and ceramic goods.
All of its products are highly engineered and are designed to be used in environments that require high stress tolerance, heat resistance, and resistance to corrosion. By focusing on niche markets, Carpenter avoids much of the cyclicality that other material makers endure and allows the company to charge premium prices for many of its goods.