Developers have been urged to use British Steel in their construction projects by some of the North East’s top business leaders.
The call comes after the Institute of Directors (IoD) visited British Steel’s Teesside Beam Mill and Service Centre at Lackenby.
The mill rolls steel sections for use in some of the world’s most iconic buildings and skyscrapers but also provides fabricators with materials used in the construction of new schools, hospitals and warehouses.
And Graham Robb, Chair of the IoD in the North East, says it’s important the construction industry supports British Steel.
Graham said: “British Steel’s heart is beating on Teesside. Productivity is up, output is up and market share is up. The business leaders’ visit left them optimistic about the future of this vital manufacturing facility.
“I would urge any organisation involved in construction to ensure its supply chain for its buildings contains girders made of British steel manufactured on Teesside.”
British Steel has just marked 100 days of the new business. Since launch it has taken on 270 new people across the whole business, hit performance targets and returned to profitability.
A key part of this is the Teesside Beam Mill, which rolls steel made at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant. The sections made at Lackenby are used in major construction projects across the globe and have gone into prestigious developments like The Shard in London and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
British Steel’s Richard Sims said he was delighted to open the doors of the Beam Mill to the IoD and demonstrate how far the business has come.
Richard said: “We are incredibly proud of our business and that is exemplified day in, day out by the high quality products we manufacture.
“The dedication of our employees is exceptional and, with the support of the trade unions, we have come a long way in a short space of time.
“Steel is in Teesside’s blood and we are delighted to be maintaining that tradition and reputation.”
As well as visiting the Beam Mill, the IoD guests toured the plant’s Teesside Service Centre which distributes a full range of steel section products across the UK and Ireland. It can supply lotted loads to customer requirements, sawing and shot-blasted and primer painted steel sections.
Service Centre Manager Gordon Frame said: “Not only do we have pride in the quality of the steel we make, we have pride in the quality of service we provide to our customers.
“Often developers need steel at short notice and we are able to ensure we meet their demands so they can complete projects, large and small, on time and on spec.”
Photo caption: guests from the Institute of Directors (North East) visit British Steel’s Teesside Beam Mill