British Constructional Steelwork Association

UK based steel business William Hare Group discussed its plans for growth with Chris Evans MP during a visit to one of its steel fabrication facilities in Newport. Rhianon Passmore MS was also in attendance, as a passionate and committed supporter of local employment and local apprenticeships.

The Risca Steel facility is one of six sites across the UK owned by William Hare Group, a leading business in providing engineered steel solutions around the world.

Chris Evans was given a tour of the facility and was introduced to the work being processed, which includes Hinkley Point C and a transport bridge for the Head of The Valleys improvement works, while also hearing about previous projects delivered in London and around the country that were fabricated in this facility. Following his tour, Mr Evans met several workers at the facility, including apprentices and trainees.

To increase fabrication outputs and to enable more staff recruitment, William Hare hopes to receive planning permission to extend its working hours at the Risca plant within the next few weeks.

Having worked on significant projects such as the London Olympic stadium and the reconfiguration of Battersea power station, William Hare is also a proud member of the British Constructional Steelwork Association, a trade body which has been representing the UK and Irish Structural Steel sector for over a century.

Matthew Nesbit, Group Board Director from William Hare said: “It was fantastic to welcome Chris Evans to our fabrication facility in Risca and show him how much the facility has benefitted from significant investment and how William Hare is providing opportunities in the Newport area, through skilled jobs, training and focussing support on the local supply chain.

“We take great pride in our apprenticeship scheme which currently represents 13% of William Hare’s entire workforce and offers young adults the opportunity to forge a successful career in the steel industry and beyond.”

David Moore, chief executive of BCSA said: “I would like to personally thank Mr Evans for visiting our member William Hare, especially as the current shadow minister for defence procurement.

“With the current procurement bill making its way through parliament, it is important that the UK steel sector is considered when announcing government contracts for major infrastructure projects.”

Chris Evans, MP for Islwyn said: “The steel industry is a vital part of the economy, and it was brilliant to see that William Hare's site in Risca is contributing to important national projects across the UK. I was pleased to meet the apprentices and see first hand the skilled work that they do”.

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE BRITISH CONSTRUCTIONAL STEELWORK ASSOCIATION

Contact: Josh Mason on 01325 363436

NOTES FOR EDITORS

BCSA Limited is the national organisation for the constructional steelwork industry. BCSA has represented the UK Structural Steel sector for over a century. It is a focal point at local, national and international level for the steel construction industry, acting as its representative body and central management services organisation.

The Association's aim is to influence the trading environment in which member companies have to operate in order to improve their profitability. BCSA group companies undertake the design, fabrication and erection of steelwork for all forms of construction in building and civil engineering.