Tata Steel Europe Announces Restart of Port Talbot Blast Furnace Following Major Overhaul

Tata Steel announced the restart of the furnace at the Port Talbot site following the successful completion of a major life extension project. The company has spent tens of millions of pounds to modernize the giant furnace 5 in exchange for a planned long-term strategy to expand its steel production in the UK. This was Tata Steel's largest investment in a European company in five years.

The project was announced last June. In September 2018, the company drained the kiln for major upgrades aimed at extending the kiln's life by another five to seven years. The project involved the replacement of part of the heat-resistant interior and vital structural elements. He also replaced the exhaust gas and dust removal system. The furnace was brought back to life by injecting air at extremely high temperatures by opening the hot blast line.

Hans Fischer, CEO of Tata Steel Europe, said the project demonstrates the company's commitment to strengthening and developing a sustainable steel business in the UK now and in the future. Port Talbot offers opportunities to remain strong as the UK's key integrated steel strip site, primarily serving the automotive and construction industries. Meanwhile, Fischer also welcomed the Brexit deal, saying it opens up the potential for frictionless trading.

Port Talbot was visited by Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales.