Tata Steel ends 'legacy steelmaking' at Britain's largest steelworks
Port Talbot plant in South Wales hit a significant milestone on Monday when its Blast Furnace 4 ceased operations after over 100 years, marking an end of «legacy» steelmaking as the UK's largest steelworks transitions towards greener steelmaking. Steelmaking at the site is now set to resume in 2027-2028 as part of a British government-backed investment programme of around GBP 1.25 billion in Electric Arc Furnace-based steelmaking, using UK-sourced scrap steel.
The Mumbai-headquartered steel giant said it is looking ahead to a «brighter, greener future» for the historic site and sustaining more than 5,000 jobs.
«I am deeply conscious how difficult today is for everyone associated with our business. Throughout this transition, we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact on all those who are affected by the changes we are making,» Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK, said in a statement.
«Today marks a significant event in the history of iron and steelmaking in the UK as the legacy steel-making assets in Port Talbot close, having reached their end-of-life. It is important at this juncture, to pause, recognise and credit the huge contribution of the many thousands of people and the technologies that have sustained our industry and communities here for generations,» he said.
Tata Steel's UK chief noted how Port Talbot represents a steel plant where industrial processes and new technologies have been introduced over time to enhance output and set standards for other steelmakers.
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