Alfred Krupp. Portrait of Alfred Krupp (1812-37), German engineer and manufacturer of steel and armaments. Inheriting from his father in 1826 a business that was almost bankrupt, Krupp was able to save the business through the quality of his products and some timely international trade agreements. The business expanded and in 1851 Krupp displayed a flawless 2 tonne steel ingot at the British Great Exhibition of 1851. Krupp made parts for railways, steamships and cannon, becoming the largest manufacturer of steel in Europe. Krupp controlled most of the production of Germany's iron-ore and Spain's coal. Krupp ruled his workforce benevolently but strictly.