Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies, North Wales MSs Mark Isherwood and Sam Rowlands, and Shadow Minister for North Wales Darren Millar, visited Tata Steel in Deeside last week to discuss the steel industry and the company’s efforts to support climate targets.

The Conservative politicians met with Work's Manager Bill Duckworth, and Head of Internal Communications, Cate Brisbane, before being given a tour of the site.

Tata Steel is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, with operations in 26 countries and commercial offices in more than 35 countries

The Shotton site manufactures approximately 500,000 tonnes of metallic coated and pre-finished steel per year for the construction and domestic appliance sectors.

James said:

“Tata Steel in Shotton makes a vital contribution to the north-east Wales economy, as well as supporting the local community in a variety of ways, and it was good to visit the site to learn more about their latest works on this front and how they are supporting efforts to tackle climate change.

“The site is best known for Tata Steel Colors, through its manufacturing of organic coated metals which are produced on site and used for a range of uses from roofing and cladding systems, domestic and consumer uses, to more niche and specialty products. IKEA’s outlet in Mumbai was supplied with coated steel from Shotton. They are the largest user of paint in the UK (14m litres per annum), supporting two regional paint manufacturers.

“This business not only has international reach, with 35% of products exported, including as far away as the Americas, but has an impressive 50 years' worth of experience within the sector.

“Tata Steel continues to play a fundamental role at the heart of UK manufacturing and I am very pleased that their site here in North Wales continues to be so successful.”

Darren said:

“The Tata group was founded on the principle that its activities should always benefit society, and that is certainly the case in Shotton where the steelworks are integral to the lives and culture of its local community.

“As the site is situated in a largely rural area, it employs and provides a great deal of opportunities to its residents and it was good to hear more about these, as well as their efforts to meet climate targets.  

“It was a very useful visit and I thank Bill and Cate for showing us around.”  

Sam said: “It was great to visit Tata Steel in Shotton to see how the site manufactures 500,000 tonnes of metallic and pre-finished steel every year, whilst supporting the local community and our climate targets.

“They are doing tremendous work and are a real asset to the local community and economy.”   

Mark said:

“Having not visited Tata Steel Shotton Works for some years, it was good to visit last week with my colleagues to meet with Work's Manager Bill Duckworth, and Cate Brisbane, Head of Internal Communications, before going onto site.

“Sovereign steel manufacture in the UK must be safeguarded, with potential opportunities including ‘Green Steel’ (the manufacturing of steel without the use of fossil fuels) and market leadership in sustainable products.”