Tata Steel appoints contractors for £1.25b green steel project

Over 300 skilled jobs in the local supply chain will be part of new contracts signed with Bridgend-based companies Darlow Lloyd & Sons, Wernick Buildings, and Swansea-based business, Andrew Scott Ltd.

Darlow Lloyd & Sons will play a key role in the initial phases of the project, overseeing excavation, recycling, infrastructure, and drainage works essential to the site’s transition to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking.

Rhys Lloyd, director of Darlow Lloyd & Sons, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership which will boost employment across Neath Port Talbot and lay the foundation for future growth across the manufacturing sector. This collaboration safeguards our experienced workforce and allows us to appoint local experts with transferable skillsets to this once-in-a-lifetime project.”

Critical infrastructure, including the construction of a new scrap yard to manage the inflow of UK-sourced used steel as a feedstock for the new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), will be completed by Andrew Scott Ltd.

David Evan Williams, civil contracts director at Andrew Scott Ltd said: “Having worked major on civil and construction projects at Port Talbot since the late 1800s, our involvement in this transformation is not only a privilege, but fundamental to maintaining our strong presence and heritage at the site. We have committed to supporting local talent, ensuring that we fill positions with our skilled workforce, alongside experienced former Tata Steel workers and experts in the supply chain. As work progresses, we aim to provide further opportunities for individuals in surrounding communities to help deliver this exciting vision.”

Ben Wernick, managing director, Wernick Buildings added: “We are thrilled to bring our wealth of experience in the modular construction sector to deliver the centrepiece of Port Talbot’s contractor village; an 8500 square metre space spanning three buildings, comprised of offices and welfare zones. 90% of the workers we employ to build this impressive space will be from communities surrounding the steelworks – spanning Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Cardiff – allowing us to nurture and grow regional talent.”

Industry Minister Sarah Jones commented: “[This] news is a major boost for communities in South Wales, delivering high-skilled opportunities for local people, and will help Welsh steelmaking to drive growth and attract further investment as part of our Plan for Change.”