A "Porta Tower" built by Star Iron & Steel extends at a 45 degree angle in a September 19, 1963, photograph taken outside company headquarters. Porta Towers were described as mobile steel spur trees that replaced spar trees in logging operations. A "Porta Tower" could be erected and ready to work in two hours, much less time than it would take to rig a spar tree. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel. (TNT 10-13-63, B-9)
Built by Star Iron & Steel, an imposing 90 foot "Porta Tower" is parked outside of company headquarters on September 19, 1963. Star Iron & Steel was well known for its crane and tower construction. The "Porta Towers" would be utilized as mobile steel spur trees. "Porta Towers" were self-erecting and ready to work in two hours. Star Iron & Steel had been founded in 1908 at 435 E. 11th St. It moved to its new quarters in the Port Industrial area in 1963. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel. (TNT 7-24-63, A-11, TNT 10-13-63, B-9)
This large hoist drum was being manufactured by Star Iron & Steel Co. for the royal government of Afghanistan in October of 1972. The local firm had built hoisting machinery, cranes and special machinery for decades. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel Co.
Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma); Steel industry--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Star Iron & Steel Co. employees. Employees of Star Iron & Steel Co. pose happily on September 28, 1970, in front of company headquarters at 326 Alexander Ave. These men were the crew responsible for the building of the 100-ton floating cranes for the U.S. Navy. Star Iron & Steel was under contract to build several of these massive cranes for the government. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel Co.
Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma); Steel industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hoisting machinery;
Star Iron & Steel Co. operations. An unidentified Star Iron & Steel worker alertly keeps his eyes on the machine before him in this March, 1971, photograph. Star Iron & Steel had a backlog of unfilled contracts totaling $14,500,000, most scheduled for completion in 1971. The plant would have been bustling as there had been a 500% increase in sales over the last five years. Employment had tripled at the plant to handle the multitude of orders. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel Co. (TNT 12-13-70, C-21- article)
Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma); Steel industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Machinery;
