Heathrow’s CEO Thomas Woldbye is announcing today a significant commitment by the airport to UK steel at Scunthorpe‘s British Steel works as part of its expansion plans.
It follows the Government’s indicated strong support for expansion of London Heathrow, including a third runway. Mr Woldbye is announcing the largest private investment programme in Heathrow’s history and confirming the airport is developing proposals for a third runway to share with Government by summer.
Heathrow is also signing today the UK Steel Charter. The charter aims to maximise supply chain opportunities for UK steel producers. Attending the event in Scunthorpe are Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP, Community trade union General Secretary Roy Rickhuss, Scunthorpe MP Sir Nic Dakin (Labour), Senior British Steel representatives; representatives from the British Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and GMB Union, and supporters from across industry and politics.
Mr Wolbye is to state: “This privately funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year. Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor’s call to get Britain building.
“A third runway is critical for the country’s future economic success, and I confirm we will submit our plans for a third runway to Government this summer. Ahead of then, as part of a phased expansion programme and supported by the Government’s clear backing, I am today confirming multi-billion-pound investment plans, 100 per cent privately funded, to upgrade our terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience, and improve resilience and sustainability.”
British Steel’s CEO Zengwei An said it was proud to be backing a third runway at Heathrow, and its proposed expansion. “Major developments like this, which require huge volumes of steel, demonstrate why the UK must have a strong and vibrant steel manufacturing sector.
“As Britain’s only manufacturer of heavy constructional steel sections, and rail, we have a critical role to play in helping this country meet its many infrastructure needs and look forward to working with Heathrow, other customers, and the UK Government, to support investments which grow the British economy. Our colleagues in Scunthorpe and Teesside have a distinguished history of supplying world-class products into projects like Heathrow’s expansion, and we are incredibly excited by the potential of today’s announcement and the signing of the UK Steel Charter.”
Sir Nic has also welcomed the news. “It’s great to see Heathrow’s commitment to the UK Steel charter today, which is a big vote of confidence in Scunthorpe steel. The UK is built on construction steel made here in Scunthorpe thanks to our world class workforce. When British companies like Heathrow forge partnerships with our steel industry, working families up and down the country benefit.”
The privately funded programme to transform Heathrow’s current infrastructure, with early tangible benefits felt this year, will start with projects within the airport’s existing boundary. It will then move onto the third runway. The new investments build on £2.3bn accelerated investment announced by Heathrow in December to improve service, resilience, passenger experience, and sustainability through multiple projects over the next two years.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones said of Heathrow’s UK Steel Charter signing: “Driving demand for UK-made steel is a crucial part of our upcoming Steel Strategy, and by signing the Steel Charter, Heathrow will give a huge boost to steelmaking communities across the UK and help us kickstart economic growth.”
UK Steel’s director-general Gareth Stace said: “Signing the UK Steel Charter is a vital commitment to strengthening Britain’s industrial backbone.” He added it was a “a major vote of confidence in UK steelmaking and British businesses”.
The announcement comes as British Steel’s two coke furnaces continue to run, with reports earlier this year that the company may place both of its planned electric arc furnaces (EAFs) at the Scunthorpe site. However, a British Steel spokesperson has stated “no final decisions have been made” while talks continue with the Government.
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Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
