British Steel set to increase production, eyes UK infrastructure drive

UK-based integrated steelmaker British Steel is embarking on a recruitment drive to support increased production at its operations in Scunthorpe and Teesside, the company said Nov. 26.

The company, with a crude steel capacity of about 3 million mt/year gave no tonnage details on the production boost. However, it had said in September that it was developing new products to support the UK’s infrastructure drive, entering new markets and modernizing its plant, with plans to install an electric arc furnace to complete its existing blast furnace operation.

News of the recruitment signals that progress has been made on the steelmaker’s turnaround since its was acquired by Chinese private-sector steelmaker Jingye Group in March. Previously owned by Greybull Capital, British Steel had entered compulsory liquidation in May 2019. It is the UK’s second largest steelmaker behind Tata Steel.

British Steel said the company has maintained stable production throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is fully operational. The company produces steel for the yellow goods (construction and earthmoving) sectors as well as rails and related products which it is expected to supply to the UK’s HS2 high-speed rail project.

It is looking to recruit 41 people into manufacturing roles at its Special Profiles business in Skinningrove, where around 300 people are currently employed, and which will move from a 5-day to a 7-day working week in the Spring, according to a company statement. A further 25 people will be accepted into trainee positions at its headquarters in North Lincolnshire, it said.

These new jobs are in addition to the 40 the company created in May, which has enabled it to introduce an extra shift at its Teesside Beam Mill, it said.

— Diana Kinch