Early in the twentieth century, there were large powder plants and manufacturers of radio tubes and incandescent lamps (Sylvania Electric Products), paving brick, flour, iron, lumber, sole leather, etc.
Corby became a steelmaking centre through the establishment of the Stewarts & Lloyds production site in the 1930s, and by 1960 had grown to become one of the most heavily industrialised areas in the Midlands.
Sittard also has a Doctorate in Metallurgy and a Master’s Degree in Iron and Steelmaking from Clausthal University of Technology.
Heavy industry such as steelmaking and petroleum refining that characterizes the economy of northern Lake County does not have a significant presence in Merrillville.