The Metal Drum

The Metal Drum has been a trusted manufacturer of steel containers for over six decades, serving industries such as petro-chemical, resin and paint, dye stuff, and construction. Founded in the 1950s by Tommy Rawle, our family-owned business operates from two strategically located sites in County Durham and Hull. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by our BS EN ISO 9001 certification, which governs our exacting production standards. We specialise in producing containers ranging from 5 to 210 litres, including open top drums, tight head drums, and powder lacquered drums. Our Hull facility, established in 1966, focuses on smaller containers while maintaining the same rigorous quality benchmarks. As an independent manufacturer, we pride ourselves on flexibility and responsiveness to diverse customer requirements.

Our longevity in a competitive market reflects our unwavering dedication to product excellence and service reliability. We have maintained operational strength through challenging economic periods by prioritising quality outcomes. Our powder lacquer plant, the first of its kind in the UK and only the second in Europe, demonstrates our innovative approach. We serve clients requiring UN-certified containers for hazardous goods transportation. Our Ecovadis Bronze award for Corporate Social Responsibility in 2019 underscores our commitment to ethical business practices. Through three generations of family leadership, we continue to deliver tailored solutions to industrial clients across the UK and beyond.