This had the effect of improving the quality of the finished product, increasing its malleability--its ability to withstand rolling and forging--at high temperatures and making it more suitable for a vast array of uses. Mushet's patent ultimately lapsed due to Mushet's inability to pay the patent fees and was acquired by Bessemer. Bessemer earned over 5 million dollars in royalties from the patents.

The first company to license the process was the Manchester firm of W & J Galloway,