LIBERTY Steel Group UK (LSUK) is to begin producing steel reinforcing bar at its Rotherham site, to support major UK infrastructure projects.
After a series of successful trials at its rolling mill, LSUK will start shipping “rebar” product to customers in September, using recycled GREENSTEEL from LIBERTY’s electric arc furnace.
Rebar is used as a tension device in reinforced concrete structures, and is essential for major road, rail and construction projects. The market for rebar is expected to expand in the UK as ageing infrastructure is replaced and upgrades to transport are implemented. In particular, the upcoming HS2 project will require nearly a million tonnes of rebar.
In particular, LSUK has been working to ensure that GREENSTEEL – steel produced sustainably from recycled material – forms a key part of the UK supply chain.
UK market demand for rebar amounts to about 1.2 million tonnes annually, worth £500 million. At present, half of this demand is met by imports, in spite of a surplus of scrap metal produced in the UK which could be recycled into the supply chain.
Peter Gate, Commercial Director, Liberty Steel & Bar, said: “This is an exciting development which demonstrates our commitment to domestic steel production in the UK. We’re fast-tracking the development of new product to support UK manufacturing as part of the national recovery from COVID-19. In particular, we aim to be in a position to supply domestically produced steel rebar to HS2.
“It makes little sense for Britain to import such a high volume of reinforcing steel bar when there is capability to make this essential material at home, using a sustainable model based on recycled material.
“LIBERTY Steel UK is a proud supporter of the UK Steel Charter and this venture is in line with our objectives of protecting jobs, improving the environment, supporting manufacturing skills and contributing to GDP growth.”
LSUK’s capability will be to supply rebar sizes 25, 32, 40 and 50mm in Grade B500C (BS4449) by September 2020 with further sizes being added before the year end. The plan includes a timeline for full Cares approval and sustainability approval.
Reinforcing bar will add to LSUK’s range of products which already includes steel long products, hot rolled steel coils, precision tubes, merchant bar and speciality steel components. Other products under development include powder metals.
The group employs 1,800 people in the South Yorkshire area, with sites at Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Thrybergh and Brinsworth.
Photo credit: LSUK
