Steel export pride for Corus

Mar 28 2008 Evening Gazette

TEESSIDE is leading the world in the export of slab steel.

Corus Teesside Cast Products has become the world’s leading exporter after sending 2.4 million tonnes out into the global market in 2007.

The number one ranking has come on the back of continued investment in the plant, technical development and the creation of a £10m rail link to Teesport.

During 2007, the 2.4 million tonnes of slab was primarily exported to a consortium of international steelmakers including Duferco, Marcegaglia, Ternium-Imsa and Dongkuk as part of a landmark 10-year offtake agreement with TCP.

The figure is an increase on 2006’s export figure of 1.6 million tonnes and 900,000 tonnes in 2005. Corus has worked in partnership with PD Ports and between them they have invested more than £10m to ensure world-class performance in handling and dispatch of slabs.

To streamline the export of its steel slab, Corus invested in a new rail link direct from its slab yard to Teesport. PD Ports also invested in specialised forklifts, cranes and associated handling equipment to further improve efficiency.

The rail link was completed in September 2006 and that, coupled with the performance improvements and the benefits from the investments at both businesses, has seen shipments rise from 20,000 tonnes per week to 50,000 tonnes per week.

Jon Bolton, managing director, Teesside Cast Products, said: “We have come a long way since 2005. It is fantastic to see that TCP is exporting more steel slab than any other steelmaker. We continue to invest in the plant, our people and processes and we plan to continue to push our export rate even higher over the next few years.”

The link to Teesport is part of the port’s ongoing development and investment. Yesterday PD Ports was given planning consent for a £50m import centre at Teesport which could create more than 800 jobs.

Gary Smith, who set up Global Transport Logistics at Teessport less than two years ago, welcomed the news. The firm has been a supporter of PD Ports’ plans to build a £300m deep sea container terminal at Teesport - given the green light by Government last month. It has also championed Teesside as an alternative to the congested South - a key argument in the case to expand operations on the Tees.

He said: “It proves Teesport is a viable option and the port’s plans are starting to bear fruit.”