The firm of Eva Brothers was established in 1889, in Bradford, before moving to larger premises in Clayton, Manchester. The company was established as a partnership of James Eva, Archibald William Eva, Victor Eva, Arthur Eva, and Frank Eva, carrying on business as Forge-masters, at Crabtree-lane, Clayton, Manchester. In 1909 this partnership ended, and all debts due were settled by Archibald William Eva, Victor Eva, Arthur Eva, and Frank Eva, who continued the business under the same name. The company prospered and by 1953 The EVA group of companies was the largest edge tool makers in the world, with a focus on exports. By the late 1950s demand for heavy engineering had reduced. In 1960 the company changed its name to Eva Industries, as a holding company, with Eva Brothers continuing as a part of the overall business.