The works were founded in 1866 by George Adams, who initially traded as George Adams & Company, and later as George Adams & Sons Limited. His working life began as manager at Rose, Higgins & Rose of the Bradley Field Works, whose high quality iron plates and sheets were well known for their quality. In about 1857 he became manager at Wright & North's Monmoor Works at Monmore Green, Wolverhampton. Once there he greatly improved the quality of their iron plates and sheets which also became well known as quality products.

The location of Mars Iron Works, Ettingshall.

The latest machinery was installed at the works and the most up-to-date manufacturing techniques were used.

The factory used the best pig iron, which came from the Earl of Dudley's works and Earl Granville's Lilleshall Iron Works.

The raw material and finished goods were transported along the Birmingham Canal Navigations, via the factory's own wharf and basin. 

Britannia Boiler Tube Works

On the opposite side of the canal stood the Britannia Boiler Tube Works, owned by Edwin Lewis and Sons.

The business was established in 1825 and produced a wide range of iron tubes for gas, water, and steam boilers.

The railway companies must have been important customers judging by the range of boiler tubes and signal rods.

The company was listed in the Wolverhampton Red Books until the late 1920s.

An advert from 1884.