The £100,000 investment from Welsh Government funding will also be used to assist BRC, who are part of the Celsa Group of companies, to purchase new machinery and improve its factory layout so that productivity levels at the Newport plant can be increased.
BRC is a major supplier to the UK construction industry having provided materials for major projects such as Crossrail, Sky Garden London, Mersey Link and the Aberdeen bypass.
It is also the UK’s largest supplier of steel reinforcement and associated products for concrete, and typically uses 98% recycled steel produced at its associated steelmaking plant in Cardiff. Additionally BRC specialises in the manufacture of rebar carpet reinforcements and steel fabric mesh.
BRC will be investing over £1m in this project and agreeing a new long term lease with its landlord at its Corporation Road premises. The company will also be acquiring bespoke shear and bending equipment to enhance production efficiencies which will help them ensure a long term future in Newport.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:
Supporting Wales’ steel industry through what is a difficult and challenging time remains a key Welsh Government priority.
I am pleased that our £100,000 investment is helping BRC to drive up its productivity and create and protect around 35 jobs at its Newport site. In December I launched our Economic Action Plan which focuses on spreading the fruits of economic growth to communities right across Wales and I am hopeful that our investment will help secure a successful future for BRC in Newport.
Mr John Collins, Managing Director of BRC commented:
This investment will help consolidate BRC’s position as the pre-eminent reinforcing fabricator in the UK with an unrivalled capability of supplying all the major infrastructure projects. This is a demonstration of our close collaboration with Welsh Government and has been made possible through the dedicated support of our workforce and the Community Union.
We share a joint objective of promoting local responsible sourcing and the circular economy. It means that we really can make in the UK to build the UK. With many customers wanting a supply chain which supports UK manufacturing and gives low carbon, recycled reinforcing steels, we are in a unique position to guarantee our source of supply. This equipment means we can supply even more in the years to come.
Community Union representative Steve McCool commented:
This announcement represents the excellent work being carried out by the workforce and management to establish the Newport site as significant and strategic facility in the Celsa supply chain. Community members at the site have worked hard with the local management to secure this investment.
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