Krupp, Alfred (1812–1887)

German metallurgist who became known as the Cannon King because of the cast-steel guns he manufactured. He invented the first weldless steel tyre for railway vehicles. From a staff of seven, Krupp's enterprise had grown to employ 21,000 by his death.

Krupp was born in Essen and left school at 14 to join the family steel works. With the advent of the railways, the firm developed into a vast industrial empire. Despite Krupp's reputation, the output of goods – even in wartime – was predominantly for peaceful purposes.

Krupp designed and developed new machines. He invented the spoon roll for making spoons and forks, and manufactured rolling mills for use in government mints. In 1847 the firm cast its first steel cannon, but it still specialized in making fine steel suitable for dies, rolls, and machine-building. Krupp introduced the Bessemer and open-hearth steelmaking processes 1852.

Krupp created a comprehensive welfare scheme for his workers, with a sickness fund, low-cost housing, and pension schemes for all his employees. Medical care and consumer cooperatives enjoyed company backing. These institutions acted as models for the social legislation enacted in Germany in the 1880s.