News: Liberty Steel court case adjourned again

A court case that could have led to Liberty's Speciality Steel business going into insolvency has been adjourned again.

A winding-up order was due to be decided this week regarding the company which has operations in Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

An initial hearing in May was adjourned to July, with discussions ongoing to keep the business going - including a potential sale of the business.

Marie Tidball, MP for Stocksbridge confirmed that the case has been adjourned again.

Earlier this year, Liberty pulled a restructuring plan before it could be judged in court as it was apparent that it did not have the backing from creditors.

Liberty signed a new framework agreement in April 2024 with its major creditors that would enable it to consolidate its UK steel businesses "under a new entity with a simpler structure, a strong balance sheet and greater access to third party finance and investment."

In November 2024, Liberty sought approval through the courts for the restructuring which would reduce the company's debts but needs the approval of the majority of creditors.

The UK company, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, was hit by the collapse of Greensill, a specialist in invoice financing that operated with less regulation than the traditional banks.

Court documents from February regarding Greensill creditors and Speciality Steel UK Ltd (SSUK) show that the Liberty company has a debt with them of approximately £289m. The debts owed to Greensill creditors in respect of the activities of the GFG Group amount, in broad terms, to some US$4 billion.

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One creditor is Harsco, which operates a large site in Rotherham under its SteelPhalt brand. Court documents show that Harsco issued a winding-up petition against Liberty in 2024 in an effort to recover £4m that it is owed, along with machinery "for which it has not been paid and which it would like back."

The Caseboard website has now added Greensill Capital (UK) Limited (In Administration) to the list of creditors supporting Harsco with its winding-up petition against Liberty.

Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: "I hope all options are on the table to secure our Stocksbridge site, whilst parties reach a conclusion at the next stage of the court case. We cannot see this nationally important asset and its skilled workforce broken up longer term.

"My immediate priority now will be securing pensions for Stocksbridge steelworkers, as local workers have faced 10 months without employer pension contributions. I raised the need for urgent reassurances in respect to pension payments in the House of Commons earlier this week.

"I will be writing urgently to Aviva, The Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Pension Regulator, to ensure all Stocksbridge steelworker pensions are secured.

"I will always continue to fight to protect our site and its jobs, as well as its strategic capability."

In parliament, the MP discussed the uncertainty at Liberty which "means that pension contributions have not been paid to the skilled workforce for 10 months, causing significant worry and anxiety for 600 local steelworkers."

Speaking to The Guardian, a Liberty Steel spokesperson said: "Today’s resolutions and adjournment provides additional time to finalise options for SSUK while continuing our broader debt restructuring efforts.

"We remain committed to identifying a solution that preserves electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking in the UK — a critical national capability supporting strategic supply chains.

"SSUK has been engaged in complex debt restructuring since the collapse of Greensill Capital in 2021, which significantly constrained its access to capital.

"Throughout Liberty’s ownership, the shareholder has consistently supported the business, contributing nearly £200m in loss funding and payroll over the past four years — even during periods when significant portions of the business remained non-operational."

Liberty Steel website

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News: Liberty Steel insolvency case pushed back as sale talks continue

A court case that could have led to Liberty's Speciality Steel business going into insolvency has been adjourned until July.

Rothbiz reported on a winding-up order being due this week regarding Liberty Speciality Steel, which has operations in Rotherham and Stocksbridge..

The hearing has been adjourned to July 16, with discussions ongoing to keep the business going - including a potential sale of the business.

Jeffrey Kabel, LIBERTY Steel Chief Transformation Officer said: “Today's adjournment is a positive development, allowing us the necessary time to finalise options including a sale of the business while we continue to pursue our debt restructuring efforts.

"We remain committed to finding the right solution that preserves EAF steelmaking in the UK, a vital national asset serving strategic supply chains.

"SSUK has been involved in complex debt restructuring since the collapse of Greensill Capital in 2021 restricting its access to capital. However, like all steel producers in the UK, SSUK has faced long-standing competitiveness challenges dating back decades.

"Throughout LIBERTY’s ownership of SSUK its shareholder has consistently supported the business, investing nearly £200 million in loss funding and salaries over the past four years, even as significant portions of the business remained inactive.

"We recognise that change is essential to set the business on a positive trajectory and provide certainty for our creditors, employees, and stakeholders.

"We will utilise the time afforded by the adjournment to engage in intensive discussions with a view to achieving an outcome which best serves the strategic interests of the UK, the South Yorkshire community, and the broader UK steel sector.”

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Earlier this month, Liberty pulled a restructuring plan before it could be judged in court as it was apparent that it did not have the backing from creditors.

Roy Rickhuss CBE, General Secretary of steelworkers’ union Community, said: “Our members at Liberty Steel have endured far too much turbulence and uncertainty over recent years as a result of the erratic and irresponsible way the company has been run. Failed restructuring plans and broken promises from the company have become a familiar, demoralising pattern, and things simply can’t go on as they are.

“Ever since the collapse of Greensill Capital, we have worked with the company in good faith, even when refinancing deadlines have been missed. Our patience has now run out.

“Liberty Steel’s plants are strategically important sites for the UK steel industry and the country as a whole, and these assets must be secured.

“New, responsible ownership is needed to give the business the brighter future it needs and deserves, and that can only be achieved with a decisive change at the top. Enough is enough – Sanjeev Gupta must invest in the business or step aside.”

Marie Tidball MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, added: “I have listened to my constituents in Stocksbridge and agree with them that it is time for Gupta to go. He has run out of road; his chaotic ownership must end now. Our Stocksbridge Speciality Steels site needs new, competent ownership to maximise its potential, so that the business has a real chance for success.

“As I said in Parliament earlier today, Stocksbridge Speciality Steels has strategically significant, highly specialist capability, to produce world-leading steel, crucial to our national defence, aerospace, and energy industries. The site employs 650 people and has an excellent skills training centre.

“I know the capability of the site, the extraordinary ability of the workforce and the exceptional quality steel produced in Stocksbridge. What we need now is a new owner to come forward and restore the glory of a site which has proudly made steel in our constituency for over 180 years. This is an exciting investment opportunity, and these works are part of the strategically important South Yorkshire Steel Corridor.”

Liberty Steel website

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News: Rolls-Royce readying £21m investment in Rotherham facility

Rolls-Royce, one of the most famous names in engineering throughout the world, is preparing to invest in a £21.3m expansion project at its Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham.

The £110m facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham was officially opened in 2015 and is where turbine blades are manufactured for Rolls-Royce's world-leading aeroplane engines.

Following continued demand and thousands of engines on order, the firm is working on proposals to double the factory’s production capacity which is key to the manufacture of single crystal (SX) turbine blades.

With an initial capacity of 100,000 blades per year, it was always likely to increase to 200,000 when the pioneering manufacturing process had been proven.

The ABCF has a prime position within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone and so the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is looking to support Rolls-Royce with a grant, potentially up to £2m.

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Allthough SYMCA meeting papers do not name the beneficiary company, the information all points to Rolls-Royce.

Papers say: "IZ002 [the company] is currently undergoing a major transformation which began in 2023 and is anticipated to complete by 2027, with particular focus on reducing operating costs.

"The Facility in Rotherham is a cutting-edge supplier of high-value superalloy turbine blade castings. IZ0002 load and capacity planning forecasts a demand increase of circa 100,000 single crystal turbine blade castings per year between 2024 and 2030, with existing factory capacity exceeded in 2026. The investment proposal is for a £21.3m investment in the facility to double the factory’s production capacity.

"The proposal includes £18m of capital investment, primarily for tooling and precision machines, including adaptive robotic aerofoil finishing (the latest and most advanced manufacturing technology for this process)."

Investment Zone status provides South Yorkshire with up to £160m over ten years which can be used to offer investors, developers and start-ups a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses.

In SYMCA budget papers, a "Rolls Royce - Expansion of blade manufacturing research and innovation" project has been given a total of £1.75m.

Rolls-Royce launched a bold, multi-year transformation programme in 2023 focusing on cost efficiency, commercial optimisation, and operational improvements. The company's underlying operating profit for the 2024 financial year was £2.5bn.

Rolls-Royce website

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News: Taiwanese takeover for award winning Rotherham firm

Government approval has been granted for the acquisition of Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd (AML) by Walsin Lihwa Europe.

Originally a spin-out from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, AML is now recognised as a market leader in delivering flexible manufacturing capability at the leading edge of machining technologies and efficiencies, with particular expertise in aerospace, defence and energy components. Blue chip clients include Rolls-Royce and Siemens Energy.

The 100-strong team at Catcliffe in Rotherham was awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise Innovation in 2024.

Walsin Europe is set gain control of the qualifying entity by acquiring 38.8% of the shareholding in AML.

Walsin Lihwa is headquartered in Taiwain and is an industrial conglomerate with operations spanning wire & cable, stainless steel, and renewable energy. With over 20 production and sales sites across Greater China, Southeast Asia, and the U.S., Walsin products are widely used across industrial, automotive, oil and gas and consumer sectors. It acquired Sheffield-based Special Melted Products Ltd through its subsidiary, Cogne Acciai Speciali S.p.A, in 2023.

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Following a detailed national security assessment, the latest deal was approved with a number of conditions. The parties must meet certain operational requirements, including restrictions on the location of AML’s precision engineering capabilities and a requirement to retain certain existing operational activity in the UK.

Issues over confidential information, intellectual property and data storage. AML must also employ a Chief Security Officer, who must oversee and ensure compliance.

The government said that the conditions were to mitigate the risks to national security relating to "the security of UK know-how and intellectual property relating to the precision engineering of gas turbine engine components, access to which could lead to an uplift in adversaries’ capabilities; and "an interruption to the continuity of supply of precision-machining capabilities to United Kingdom defence programmes."

AML's King's Award win was in the innovation category and relates to the precision manufacture of complex aerofoil geometries for jet engines. The process begins with raw aluminium alloy bars, or forgings, being inspected and measured by the manufacturer before shipping.

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News: McLaren makes a revolutionary leap in composites at Rotherham tech centre

Building on over 40 years of carbon fibre innovation, McLaren has unveiled a world-first in supercar engineering: aerospace-derived Automated Rapid Tape (ART) carbon fibre. And it has been developed in Rotherham.

The manufacturer opened the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in 2018 on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), which is in Rotherham. The £50m investment was made in developing and manufacturing the future of lightweighting technology.

The latest revolutionary leap in composites uses precision manufacturing techniques from the aerospace industry to create carbon fibre structures that are even lighter, stiffer, and stronger, while reducing waste by up to 95%. It is a world-first application of a cutting-edge and highly specialised manufacturing process in the automotive sector.

The first model to feature this advanced material is the McLaren W1 – where ART carbon integrated into the active front wing delivers a 10% boost in stiffness to help enable the car’s extraordinary aerodynamic performance.

The aerospace industry uses ultra-precise manufacturing methods to build highly tailored carbon fibre structures for the latest generation of air jetliners and fighter aircraft, particularly for large, crucial parts such as aircraft fuselage and wings. This is achieved via the robotic depositing of composite tapes to layer structures, over traditional hand layup using pre-impregnated materials. And it is a rapid pace, ‘high rate’ version of this production method that McLaren has developed and now integrated into its manufacturing capabilities at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Rotherham.

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Completely revolutionising the aerospace industry method of using robotic arms to layer composite tapes, McLaren’s Automated Rapid Tape method instead employs a specially designed machine using a fixed deposition head and a rapidly moving bed capable of rotation, which unlocks a faster manufacturing process suitable for automotive purposes and high-rate composites manufacturing.

Joe Elfort, plant director at the McLaren MCTC, said: "It means we can make the material as strong as possible where it needs to be and as light as possible where it can be. Think of it like human skin - it can be thin and flexible like your eyelids but also strong and durable like your elbows.

"With this new technology we've taken an aerospace scale manufacturing process and enhanced the rate capability so that it becomes viable for a supercar component. What's really unique is we can very accurately control the directionality of the strength the stiffness and the flexibility which allows us to optimise the design for the highly loaded and complex components like you see in the aerodynamic devices of the W1.

"Landmark supercars like W1 always usher in the next big technology trickle down. This is only the beginning of a remarkable new era in lightweight supercar engineering and performance."

The advantages Automated Rapid Tape technology can deliver in terms of manufacturing time and reduced costs creates the possibility of greater use of carbon fibre, in more areas of a vehicle. Looking beyond the carbon tub, wider use of ultra-lightweight body panels constructed of McLaren ART carbon fibre become more feasible and cost effective.

The Artura is McLaren’s first model to be built on all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) that was developed in Rotherham. The latest advancement now unlocks immense possibilities for the next generation of carbon fibre architectures. Integrating ART technology into the structure of an ultra-lightweight, ultra-strong carbon fibre tub – manufactured with minimal waste material generation - that can underpin the next-generation of McLaren supercars is already under consideration.

McLaren website

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News: Liberty Steel asks for creditor support over restructure

Liberty's Speciality Steels UK (SSUK), which has operations in Rotherham, is pressing ahead with a restructure.

The move will likely impact on the company's creditors, but not lead to redundancies.

The company, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, was hit by the collapse of Greensill, a specialist in invoice financing that operated with less regulation than the traditional banks. Liberty put in place a specialist committee to accelerate a restructuring and refinancing project which has seen investment and focus on Aldwarke in Rotherham.

In April, Liberty signed a new framework agreement with its major creditors that would enable it to consolidate its UK steel businesses "under a new entity with a simpler structure, a strong balance sheet and greater access to third party finance and investment."

Reports now say that approval through the courts is being sought for the restructuring which would reduce the company's debts but needs the approval of the majority of creditors.

An update from Liberty Steel said that creditors will be presented with a detailed proposal and will have the opportunity to vote on the plan, adding: "The proposed plan has no impact on SSUK employees.

"Once implemented SSUK will be better positioned to attract new capital and further expand its operations into strategic steel segments with environmentally conscious products."

UK operations have since October 2021 been supported by £210m loss funding by Liberty's shareholder to maintain employment, operations, and growth potential. 2023 included a restructuring programme affecting 440 roles - including 185 roles at its Rotherham sites.

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Jeffrey Kabel, Liberty Steel group chief transformation officer, said: "After making significant progress to stabilise the business and refocus it on high value specialist products, we're now addressing the debt position of the company to create a stronger speciality business going forward.

"Our plan, which is backed by customers, is the best route forward for all stakeholders and we're confident in winning the support of our creditors for the essential actions required to complete SSUK's recovery."

In recent months there has been little sign of production at the Rotherham electric arc furnace (EAF), at least during the day, and there have been reports of the workforce remaining on furlough and late wage payments.

In 2022, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) issued a petition to have the speciality steel company wound up, but later backed down. Financial firms Citibank and Credit Suisse were considering whether to continue with their own winding up petition.

The operational restructuring plan has focused Liberty’s steel businesses in the UK on supplying strategic aerospace, defence and energy customers, strengthening financial performance significantly. This is said to have improved operational and commercial viability and has enabled development of a comprehensive plan that aims to take EAF melting capacity at Rotherham to 2 million tonnes per annum quickly and cost effectively, and with significantly lower emissions compared with coal-based blast furnaces.

Liberty Steel website

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News: Magtec powers pioneering zero-emission aircraft refueller with Fluid Transfer International

Rotherham-based Magtec has unveiled a new partnership with Fluid Transfer International, a leading UK manufacturer of refuelling solutions for the aviation, military and marine sectors.

Fluid Transfer is a trusted provider to major oil companies and refuelling plane operations around the world.

Magtec supplied fully electric chassis for the new Meteor MKII hydrant dispenser, which has the operational flexibility to refuel the largest commercial aircraft or the smallest regional jets.

Magtec specially modified its base frames to house Fluid Transfer’s innovative pumping systems.

The Meteor’s twin-deck hoses have flow rates of up to 3,800 litres per minute – around 75 times faster than a standard service station pump for cars.

The vehicle has an elevating platform reach of 4.6 metres, capable of the refuelling of the latest long-range, wide-body, twin-engine jetliners such as the Boeing 777-9.

The Meteor conforms to the latest European aviation ground support standards and is powered by an 80 kWh battery, meaning it is lighter than the diesel-powered equivalent.

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Keith Townsend, international sales manager at Fluid Transfer International, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Magtec on this important milestone in the journey towards meeting carbon neutrality targets.

“The Meteor MKII offers zero emission refuelling and silent operations without sacrificing quality and performance for global operators.

“We are looking at other aviation vehicle applications for Magtec’s chassis including hydrant pit cleaners and Avgas bowsers and are very impressed with the dynamic capabilities and short charge time.”

The chassis is based on Magtec’s fully homologated MEV75. The standard 80 kWh version has a range of 65 miles, a full charge time of just three hours and 20 mins and a battery life of 10 years.

Andrew Sloan, engineering director at Magtec, added: “We are proud to partner with Fluid Transfer International on this state-of-the-art aircraft fuelling system, powered by Magtec.

“This is another example of a world-leading UK manufacturer turning to Magtec for our best-in-class electric drive technologies. It’s great to work together on such an innovative project.”

Magtec website

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News: Three Rotherham firms win King's Awards for Enterprise

Three Rotherham-based companies have been recognised for their achievements in innovation and international trade.

King’s Award for Enterprise celebrates outstanding achievement by UK businesses and is internationally recognised.

This year's recipients include Dinnington's Advanced Alloy Services Ltd, Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) based, SBD Apparel, and near neighbours, Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd (AML) of Catcliffe.

Originally a spin-out from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, AML is now recognised as a market leader in delivering flexible manufacturing capability at the leading edge of machining technologies and efficiencies, with particular expertise in aerospace, defence and energy components.

The 100-strong team has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise Innovation.

The award was driven by funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute for the Automotive Excellence for Aerospace (AXIS) project around reducing production times in aerospace component manufacture. The successful implementation of the project and the development of AML’s high-rate production has resulted in AML securing long term contracts for the production of components for regional business jet engines.

The funding also resulted in eight new roles to support the a production cell built to manufacture components, consisting of six machine operators and two manufacturing engineers.

Dr Gareth Morgan, managing director at AML, said: “This is an incredible achievement for the whole AML team and a recognition of our expertise and commitment to excellence. Innovation was hard wired into our DNA from the very beginning which is why the most demanding customers on the planet, from aerospace and defence to land based gas turbines that complement the green energy/renewable sector, trust us with the manufacture of strategically critical components.”

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Advanced Alloy Services was recognised for its outstanding achievements in International Trade.

Founded in 1993 the company underwent an MBO in 2019 and now operates from a purpose built 44,000 sq ft facility in Dinnington on the former colliery site supplying high purity pure metals and fully processed and certified superalloy revert to customers all over the world.

A spokesperson for Advanced Alloy Services, said: "We are proud to support the drive towards net zero by effectively recycling and recovering secondary revert, reducing the requirements for primary metals and the associated high carbon emissions from mining and refining. We have ambitious plans to grow our international footprint and global sales, the accolade from the King’s Award will be instrumental in helping realise these aspirations."

SBD Apparel, the global market leader in strength sports apparel, clothing and accessories worldwide, has been for its outstanding achievements in International Trade.

SBD Apparel, which counts elite strength and fitness athletes across the world amongst its growing client base, as well as being synonymous with the World’s Strongest Man Competition, successfully opened a new manufacturing hub at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in 2022.

The move to new 100,000 sq ft premises was part of a desire to boost exports. The company now sells in markets including Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway and Iceland. Each retailer is given exclusivity to sell SBD products in their territory, receiving support with branding, website, enquiries and customer services to ensure the retailer shares in the brand’s success.

AML website
Advanced Alloy Services website
SBD Apparel website

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News: Additive manufacturing tech start-up expands into new Rotherham base

Innovate enterprise, FORG3D, has expanded already, only a matter of months from taking space on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

The company is spearheading the Green Fourth Industrial Revolution and is on a mission to transform the realm of large-scale metal additive manufacturing by offering the repeatable quality of forgings combined with the benefits of 3D printing.

Through a novel additive manufacturing process, FORG3D can deliver a greener, smarter and faster alternative to castings and forgings for companies in the aerospace, space and defence sectors that are looking to innovate in this area – whether that is to reduce carbon emissions, speed up production, or for something as specific as solving the problem of how to manufacture in space.

After operating remotely from Scotland, founder and CEO Richard Mincher secured office space within the AMP Technology Centre - the operation at the heart of the AMP that offers first class office space, workshop facilities and conferencing / meeting room resources.

Continued growth saw FORG3D move to a recently completed unit on the AMP as it looks to double staff numbers this year.

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Richard Mincher, said: “We’ll be recruiting heavily in the region in 2024. South Yorkshire is the heart of the UK advanced manufacturing sector and access to the rich talent pool that gravitates around this industry was a key attractor for us.

“We also knew that we wanted to be based close to The AMRC and within a community at the forefront of innovation. The other occupiers here all work in the same industry as we do. They are all potential or existing partners, customers or suppliers. It’s the ideal location for us.”

To keep pace with demand and opportunities, FORG3D will be recruiting for a number of highly skilled and experienced engineers, software developers and robotics engineers in 2024. Other priorities in 2024 include exploring emerging markets in the US and launching a new fundraising drive to further scale the business.

FORG3D website

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News: Liberty to press on with Rotherham plan after signing new creditor framework agreement

Liberty Steel says that it has a comprehensive plan that aims to take its electric arc furnace (EAF) melting capacity at Rotherham to two million tonnes per annum quickly and cost effectively.

The opertator, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, has confirmed for the first time that the South Yorkshire sites could use hydrogen to power steelmaking in the future. It is part of the company's GREENSTEEL plan which aims to recycle and upcycle the growing amount of scrap steel, using electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy.

Hit by the collapse of Greensill, a specialist in invoice financing that operated with less regulation than the traditional banks, Liberty put in place a specialist committe to accelerate a restructuring and refinancing project which has seen investment and focus on Aldwarke in Rotherham.

Now Liberty has signed a new framework agreement with its major creditors which will enable it to consolidate its UK steel businesses "under a new entity with a simpler structure, a strong balance sheet and greater access to third party finance and investment."

UK operations have since October 2021 been supported by £210m loss funding by Liberty's shareholder to maintain employment, operations, and growth potential. 2023 included a restructuring programme affecting 440 roles - including 185 roles at its Rotherham sites.

Liberty said in a statement that it aims "to consolidate its steel businesses under a new entity and corporate structure. It is proposed that the existing companies will transfer their assets and employees to the new company, subject to final structuring and agreements. Employees will carry over existing terms and conditions, with continuity of employment preserved. There will be no impact on operations, suppliers or customers."

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The operational restructuring plan implemented focused Liberty’s steel businesses in the UK on supplying strategic aerospace, defence and energy customers, strengthening financial performance significantly. This is said to have improved operational and commercial viability and has enabled development of a comprehensive plan that aims to take EAF melting capacity at Rotherham to 2 million tonnes per annum quickly and cost effectively, and with significantly lower emissions compared with coal-based blast furnaces.

The country’s largest electric arc furnaces in Rotherham and associated downstream mills around the country, "benefit from product diversity with significant capacity in both long and flat products, scalable grid connections, scrap metal processing and proximity to future hydrogen trunkline delivery and planned carbon capture and storage (CCS) networks," the company said.

Jeffrey Kabel, Chief Transformation Officer at Liberty, said: “Following our successful capital raising in 2023 we are now in a position to execute this new updated creditor framework. The completion of the deal will enable our businesses to build on the operational, commercial and governance improvements we’ve made across the group over the past three years.

"In the UK our focus on specialised steel products serving strategic supply chains in aerospace, defence and energy, has allowed us to stabilise operations and significantly improve business performance. Our restructuring agreement now paves the way for a new company structure that will allow us to significantly increase our lower carbon emissions steel production in Rotherham feeding our network of downstream mills around the country.

"While we still operate in challenging market conditions, these changes will put our UK businesses in a position to reclaim its leading position as champion of green steel and sustainable industry. Upon completion of the deal, this will enable us to raise new capital, rebuild stakeholder confidence, and ultimately reach our full potential.

"With our existing strengths in sustainable UK steel and aluminium production, and our magnetite mining resources in Australia to supply the production of DRI, we are prepared to play a leading role in the UK’s Net Zero strategy, and the development of a clean and thriving UK steel sector.”

Liberty Steel website

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News: England's first Newton Room opens in Rotherham

Rotherham has become home to England’s first Newton Room, a permanent classroom with three table top flight simulators used to teach students various Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts including aviation modules.

The Boeing-supported Newton South Yorkshire, hosted by Magna Science Adventure Centre in partnership with the non-profit foundation FIRST Scandinavia, will promote STEM education and innovation in the region.

Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, officially opened Newton South Yorkshire recently, joined by representatives from local government, education and community groups including members of the local Sheffield Air Cadet unit, 362 Squadron.

The MP said: “I am delighted to officially unveil the Newton Room at Magna Science Adventure Centre. It is fantastic to have such advanced learning facilities here in Rotherham that will benefit students across South Yorkshire and beyond.”

Newton South Yorkshire builds on Boeing’s longstanding presence in the region, which began as co-founders of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in 2001 to help develop advanced manufacturing partnerships in the region. Boeing subsequently opened its first manufacturing site in Europe in 2018 in Sheffield and recently announced a further joint industry and government investment for dedicated aerospace research facilities at the AMRC.

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Maria Laine, president of Boeing in the UK, Ireland and Nordic region, said: “Nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers and aviators is not possible without like-minded partners such as Magna Science Centre and First Scandinavia, and we're proud to continue being a conduit for collaborations that help develop vital skills for the future.

"This partnership builds on our long, proud involvement in the South Yorkshire region and reflects our ongoing commitment to the local community.”

The concept originated in Norway, and South Yorkshire is the latest in a network of six Boeing-supported Newton Rooms across Europe. The UK’s first Newton Flight Academy was opened in Scotland at Glasgow Science Centre in 2022.

Kevin Tomlinson, CEO of Magna Science Centre, said: “The brand-new aviation-themed facility at Magna will help to create new opportunities for visitors to enjoy immersive STEM learning.

"The success of similar projects across Europe illustrates the important role of the Newton Concept when it comes to inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists and aviators. It’s a terrific coup for Magna to be chosen as the site of England’s very first Newton Room, and the new facility will enable us to provide new forms of creative learning, which complements and enhances our existing offering.”

Per-Arild Konradsen, CEO of First Scandinavia, added: "I am thrilled to witness the opening of our first Newton Room in England, housed at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in partnership with Boeing.

“This marks a significant milestone in our mission to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers around the world. Our collaboration with Boeing continues to underscore our commitment to fostering high-quality STEM education globally. Together, we aim to provide young minds in the South Yorkshire region with an immersive and engaging learning experience, igniting their curiosity and passion for science and technology."

Newton South Yorkshire is open to schools during term-time and families at weekends and school holidays.

Magna website
Boeing website
Newton Room website

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News: Aerospace firm set to soar as it prepares to land on Rotherham's AMP

Yet another world-leading engineering firm has set out plans that would enable it to move from Sheffield to Rotherham, build upon their success, and grow.

Under the proposals, Technicut, the UK’s largest cutting tool manufacturer, would move into a purpose built unit on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), alongside McLaren.

A global leader in rotary cutting tools for the aerospace industry, Technicut announced a move to Shepcote Business Park from its Attercliffe base in 2019, before the aviation sector was hit by a downturn following COVID.

Now plans from the Harworth Group show a 86,800 sq ft warehouse for Technicut on land fronting the Parkway, next door to McLaren and SBD.

Drawn up by Stantec, the application states: "The proposed development will provide a new headquarters for Technicut. [It] will provide a dedicated building comprising a mix of production, lab, office and meeting room space. The new building will allow the company to build upon their success and grow in a new high tech high quality new site whilst remining within close proximity to the AMRC to allow Technicut to continue their collaborative involvement."

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Professor Keith Ridgway CBE worked with Technicut's then sales director, Adrian Allen OBE, to launch the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in 2001 and the founding company continues to be a Tier 1 member at the AMRC.

The plans add: "Technicut continually invest in ongoing research and development (R&D) to advance pioneering tooling innovations that redefine manufacturing standards. They utilise both internal R&D facilities and external centres for collaborative technology development to develop new tooling concepts across both milling and drilling platforms to solve advanced production problems.

"Techinut also in addition to their own R&D activities have the capacity to collaborate with customers to utilise the AMRC to pioneer new engineering programmes and manufacturing methodologies for both the problems of today and the requirements of tomorrow. The AMRC provides a collaborative environment to allow aerospace industries and manufacturers to develop ground breaking scientific theory to deliver new solutions for advanced production problems."

With a highly skilled engineering team, the proposed development has been futureproofed and includes a first floor of office space which will facilitate employees working in the labs and research spaces. It is envisaged that the first floor will not be occupied from the outset but rather be occupied as and when the company operations demand it and/ or as the company grows.

The new location will enable the company to remain local to their origin whilst providing them the space they need to further grow their business

The application conculdes: "In short, this application seeks to build on the success of both the AMP and Technicut’s success which contributes towards the advanced manufacturing success of the region. The proposed development will facilitate the attraction and retention of highly skilled jobs on the AMP."

In recent months, Rothbiz has reported on plans for a number of new occupiers on the AMP including Vulcan Engineering Ltd, Insight, and Danieli.

The AMP was recently confirmed at the heart of a new South Yorkshire Investment Zone, the first in the UK.

Technicut website

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News: Rotherham Council objects to AMRC's expansion in Sheffield

Rotherham Council is objecting to a multimillion pound extension to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield because the application contains out of date information about buses.

A partner in the HVM Catapult (the government's strategic initiative that aims to revitalise the manufacturing industry), the AMRC focuses on advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors. It is a partnership between industry and academia, which has become a model for research centres worldwide.

Having launched on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham in 2003, the centre outgrew the site of the former Orgreave coking works and expanded over the Parkway onto the site of the former Sheffield airport, developing its own "Innovation District" with buildings such as Factory 2050, which opened in 2015.

The latest application for the Sheffield Business Park location is for the "Factory 2050 Mark III Building" - a 29,600 sq ft L-shaped structure to house a workshop that comes at the same time as the centre announced an £80m boost to composites research and development for aerostructure manufacturing in the UK that will see a new research facility built in South Yorkshire that has aerospace giant Boeing as its first major research partner.

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The AMRC application, supported by agents, DLP Planning, also includes a detailed travel plan and transport assessment but Rotherham Council planners have labelled it "fundamentally flawed."

In its response to the application, Rotherham Council states: "The travel plan accompanying the application is fundamentally flawed in that it quotes a level of bus service provision that is many years out of date. The current level of public transport available is very restricted, both in terms of areas served and the frequency and times of operation.

"This suggests that the number of car trips to the site will exceed those stated in the original transport assessment. Given the sensitive nature of the local road network and the SRN [strategic road network] junction at M1 J33, the actions in the travel plan should be revisited to bring it up to date.

"As such Rotherham Council wishes to object to the application currently."

One of the main bus services featured in the applicant's documents is the A1 service that linked Sheffield Business Park, as well as the Waverley development in Rotherham, to Meadowhall.

Previously run by Powell's before the bus operator closed last year, the A1 route was taken on by Cawthornes Travel before it was withdrawn completely in July 2023.

Having to make cuts to services and incentives, South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard recently called the Government’s funding for South Yorkshire’s buses “completely unacceptable."

Funding is under pressure against the backdrop of reduced levels of passenger demand and reducing levels of post-Covid support grants from central Government. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has been unable to protect all non-commercially viable bus services that bus operators are withdrawing from the network and all concessionary fares at present levels.

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News: South Yorkshire confirmed as UK's first Investment Zone

A ministerial visit to South Yorkshire from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed the first Investment Zone in the UK.

Rothbiz revealed last week that the new Investment Zone will use the region’s success in advanced manufacturing and will help make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses from around the world, boosting the UK economy.

Primarily focused on connecting Sheffield to Rotherham (where the research assets such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are already located), it is expected to create 8,000 new jobs and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

An £80m fund (over five years for the Investment Zone) will be used to offer investors, developers and start-ups a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses.

Existing innovation assets, including the Advanced Manufactuting Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Olympic Legacy Park and the University of Sheffield Innovation District and the rest of the Sheffield Business Park in Sheffield, will be joined by expansion sites as the core expands into Sheffield city centre and Rotherham town centre.

Rotherham expansion sites include remaining land at Waverley and around Magna at Templeborough - both around 25.5 hectares / 63 acres.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Leader, Cllr. Chris Read, said: “We always welcome any investment into our region, and as a Council we have already secured millions in funding into our borough for our communities. Today’s announcement builds on the successes of the Advanced Manufacturing Park and other big-name companies who have also chosen to invest here.

"Our new manufacturing economy is helping to bring more high paid jobs to Rotherham and the Investment Zone agreed for South Yorkshire today demonstrates the national significance of this. We look forward to seeing how it will help us in achieving our aim of meeting the needs of our communities and building on the good work we are already doing in this area.”

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The first investment announced is a more than £80m Boeing-led research project into manufacturing lightweight structures for aeroplanes – a key part of making aviation more sustainable.

Compass (Composites at Speed and Scale) will be built as an extension to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Factory 2050 on the site of the former Sheffield Airport. It will be built with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: “Our first Investment Zone is a shining example of how we will drive growth across the country.

“It’s already secured more than £80 million of private investment, including backing from Boeing, and will help support more than 8,000 jobs by 2030.”

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Our Investment Zone will help put South Yorkshire back where we belong; at the forefront of this country’s manufacturing-led growth.

“Technology created in South Yorkshire built the modern world. Because in South Yorkshire we have always known how to deliver practical solutions to big challenges. Yesterday it was stainless steel and our coal industry, today it is AI, Robotics and creating lighter, stronger materials for Jet Zero.

“That’s why this new Investment Zone status is so important. Because with the support of partners like Boeing, and working with the government, we’re showing we have the tools, the technology and the confidence to build on our strengths as not just the world’s first, but the world’s best Advanced Manufacturing District.”

The most recent Enterprise Zones in the 2010's included parts of the AMP and Templeborough in Rotherham and involved business rates discounts and simplified planning arrangements for businesses in specific target sectors. When it was announced in 2011, it was forecast to create 12,600 jobs and attract around 250 new advanced manufacturing and technology-based businesses to the area by 2015. It was hoped to reach 20,000 jobs, 400 businesses and £20m a year in new business rates from over 6.4 million sq ft of floor space.

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News: AMRC’s fibre handling expertise helps develop novel prototype

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is part of a consortium that has developed a novel prototype machine that could lead to lower emissions and increased aircraft performance.

The AMRC is a model for collaborative research which is now being applied to the development of sustainable technologies and products to help its 120-plus industrial partners realise the benefits of a green transition. It operates the Factory of the Future and the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham and Factory 2050 in Sheffield.

The AMRC has collaborated with Archer Technicoat Limited (ATL), TISICS Metal Composites and Cygnet Texkimp to deliver a project on 'Continuous Interface Coating for Silicon Carbide (SiC) composites’ or CICSiC for short.

The project focused on the manufacture routes for silicon carbide-based Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) - a material of particular interest for high temperature applications of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius in sectors such as aerospace, space and nuclear. The delivery of the project builds on the AMRC’s reputation as one of the leading centres nationally for research in the manufacture of these materials.

The interface between the fibre reinforcement and the matrix is a critical component of CMCs. The project aimed to develop equipment and processing know-how for uniform, continuous coating of interfaces on SiC fibres, such that the mechanical properties of SiC-based CMCs can be more closely specified to enhance their aerospace applications.

This enables the development of more efficient engines, offering significantly lower weight, lower cooling requirements and lower aircraft emissions - resulting in a reduced impact on the environment.

“SiC-based ceramic matrix composites are a promising material for many extreme environment applications including aero engines,” says Ryan Skillett, technical manager at ATL. “The CICSiC project kick-started the development of a new method for manufacturing these high value materials aiming to simultaneously bring down costs whilst improving performance and reliability.”

The project aimed to develop a new reel-to-reel coating technology to replace the current batch coating method to apply interphase coatings to CMCs. In the batch coating method, a preform is made from uncoated fibre which is treated in one step, making it difficult to ensure an even coverage of all areas of the preform with equal precision. The new method uses a reel-to-reel process to apply the interphase coating. Material is wound from its original spool onto a new spool with the interphase being applied in-between. This ensures an uniform coating. As the material is still on a spool, it can easily be used in fibre processing technologies. This allows for shapes with increased complexity to be formed with a uniform interphase coating.

Ryan says the results of the project have drawn international interest from specialists. He added: “The project worked towards the creation of a continuous fibre coating system to work in harmony with the existing batch-based technology, and in doing so, look to take on some of the major barriers to market for the product. The results of this project have drawn international interest from specialists in the material, leading us to believe it has a very bright future.”

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The AMRC’s role in the project focused on the industrial scale processing of SiC fibres to produce preforms with increased complexity. The ability to process the fibre is key to realising the potential of this material. Utilising SiC fibres in processing technologies such as weaving and Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) is important for building confidence in the handling of these materials so that they can be adopted into industry, and understanding the current processing limits.

The work on handling fibres was performed on as-purchased SiC and on SiC provided by ATL that had undergone the coating procedure in order to understand the difference in processing requirements, limitations and the quality of the output.

“Silicon Carbide composites (SiC-SiC) are of interest to many industry sectors looking at high temperature applications,” said Steffan Lea, a technical fellow in the AMRC’s composites team. “The ability to produce more complex preforms from continuous silicon carbide fibre will enable new designs and applications for this high performance ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material.”

Steffan says the AMRC’s understanding of how to process SiC fibres has developed. He added: "During the CICSiC project, the AMRC has gained familiarity and knowledge on how to process SiC fibre on industrial-scale machines. Our knowledge on how to process SiC fibres on weaving looms to produce 3D woven preforms enables the production of unitised preforms with added complexity. Using the Nicalon on Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) allows us to make efficient use of the material, only placing it where it is required and controlling the path of the fibre to make best use of its properties.”

Kevin Morris, National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) technology manager at Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, said the project has proved to be a ‘very successful’ collaboration, and with the help of funding from NATEP has delivered ‘a winning project’.

He added: “The CICSiC project itself was able to develop the innovation and methods associated with the continuous coating of silicon carbide fibres, and demonstrated how issues could be overcome paving the way for more efficient propulsion systems for future aircraft, fulfilling the aims of the NATEP programme.”

Ryan commended the AMRC’s contribution to the project, adding: “The AMRC provided key insight and experience with handling the fibres, both in their coated and uncoated forms. Without its input, the CICSiC project would not have been as successful and the next generation equipment would not have gained as much interest.”

Andy Whitham, director of process development at Cygnet Texkimp Ltd said: “Working on this project has allowed us to understand the challenges associated with handling very delicate ceramic fibres. These are unusual in some of their characteristics, so having first hand experience of the difficulties involved in their use is invaluable. Beyond that, the opportunity to work with new partners from outside Cygnet Texkimp's main sectors, always provides a different view on the machinery we might supply for a given application.”

The CICSiC project showcases the excellent work done by AMRC’s composites team and the spread of its activities in the SiC- SiC Composites area. It promotes and accelerates the development and manufacture of advanced materials technology and high strength, high temperature materials such as ceramic matrix composites within the UK supply chain.

CICSiC was funded by the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP), a £15m programme to develop 60 aerospace technologies in the UK aerospace supply chain. Funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute and managed by ADS, it is aimed at small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop innovative technologies to enhance their capabilities and increase their ability to win new business.

AMRC website

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News: US Air Force fly into the AMRC

The United States Air Force (USAF) has been shown how world-leading technologies and techniques pioneered in South Yorkshire could reshape its day-to-day operations.

A delegation from RAF Lakenheath, home to the 48th Fighter Wing, recently visited the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) facilities in Rotherham and Sheffield to understand how digital technologies, composite materials and advanced machining could be integrated into the USAF’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) processes.

Last year, the AMRC worked with RAF Leeming, home to the RAF’s innovation hub RAF eXperimental (RAFX), to demonstrate how Industry 4.0 digital technologies could transform how it operates and trains its workforce.

Sgt Joseph Slaughter, fabrication flight superintendent in the 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, based at RAF Lakenheath, said: “The visit to the AMRC was organised to explore manufacturing capabilities of industry partners and find opportunities for collaboration outside of maintenance and the wing.

“The 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (EMS) stood up the Advanced Manufacturing Working Group (AMWG) to identify opportunities to pool collective resources - such as 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing capabilities - to create and manufacture tools, parts, and items for non-aviation equipment and aviation components.

“The 48th EMS has identified this opportunity due to increased supply system shortfalls concurrent with the ageing support equipment and aircraft fleet.”

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At the AMRC’s flagship Factory 2050 facility, which is on the site of the former Sheffield airport, the group was shown augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets, discrete event simulation software, smart benches, and other digital technologies. At the nearby Factory of the Future in Rotherham, there were demonstrations of the AMRC’s capabilities in advanced machining and the latest composite manufacturing processes.

Recommended reading: Rotherham’s Digital Transformation: Verified Progress in Local Business and Community Support

Jonathan Bray, the AMRC’s senior sector engagement manager for defence and space, said: “It was great to show the USAF around our facilities and explain how cutting-edge technologies can be applied to its operations.

“There is real capacity for us to enhance the way RAF Lakenheath operates by transferring the same innovations that have driven step changes in the aerospace and automotive sectors into the USAF’s processes. There is so much we can achieve together in terms of safety, productivity and sustainability, and I look forward to having more discussions in the future.”

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News: Focus stays on Rotherham plant in latest Liberty restructure

Liberty Steel (LSUK) has announced further measures to grow and invest in its core GREENSTEEL operation at Rotherham which could lead to an increase of up to 161 roles.

Employees losing jobs elsewhere could also be transferred to comparable roles at the Rotherham plant.

The company, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, employs hundreds of staff in South Yorkshire, including in Rotherham. GFG underwent a restructuring and transformation drive following the collapse of its main lender Greensill Capital.

The ambition is to build the Aldwarke plant in Rotherham into a two million tonne per annum (mtpa) recycling production facility feeding its downstream rolling mills producing both long and flat products.

Greensill Capital went into administration last year and as part of a restructuring, Liberty said that it would look to sell its aerospace and special alloys steel business in Stocksbridge, Sheffield but retain its electric arc furnace at Aldwarke in Rotherham.

In October, Liberty Steel restarted production in Rotherham, following an injection £50m of shareholder funds into the business.

Following the significant injection of shareholder funding and a number of successful targeted production campaigns, LSUK has launched a consultation with its employees and unions to complete the restructuring of the special alloys businesses "in order to enhance their productivity and competitiveness ahead of a possible sale or partnership."

This is anticipated to result in a net reduction of approximately 50 roles after factoring in new and vacant roles at its nearby GREENSTEEL operation in Rotherham fuelled by new investment and volume growth.

These reductions are proposed as 162 roles at the High Value Manufacturing Stocksbridge plant and 45 in the Performance Steels business in West Bromwich. At the same time, LSUK will invest in the ramp up of GREENSTEEL production, recycling steel scrap in high volumes into a full range of commercial steels that can meet growing infrastructure demand in the UK and abroad. This will require an increase of potentially up to 161 roles at the Rotherham plant, which with its two electric arc furnaces, remains the anchor plant for LSUK’s GREENSTEEL production.

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LSUK said that it was confident that the proposed restructuring will put these businesses on a sustainable footing giving them a strong commercial future in their target markets.

Jeffrey Kabel, Chief Transformation Officer, LIBERTY Steel Group said: “LIBERTY’s special alloys are unique, high potential businesses, and their quality products are prized by customers in strategic sectors such as aerospace and energy. The steps we’re announcing today will help ensure they are competitive in the future, with job creation at our Rotherham plant enabling us to mitigate a large percentage of role reductions at other sites. It sets a strong platform for LIBERTY’s GREENSTEEL expansion in which we will increase recycling of steel scrap in low carbon electric arc furnaces to meet growing demand in infrastructure and construction.”

Wentworth and Dearne MP, John Healey, said: "These are really tough trading times for the UK steel industry, with sky high energy costs and little help from Government. The job losses at Stocksbridge are a serious concern and workers there will want to see Liberty secure a long-term investment partner soon.

"But the 161 extra jobs at Aldwarke are welcome news, and should give Stocksbridge workers the opportunity to switch across. This confirms the company’s confidence in the Rotherham site to deliver the steel needed by Liberty for its UK operations."

Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion, added: "Until we can scrutinise the details of the restructure at the various Liberty South Yorkshire plants, it is difficult to be anything other than nervous.

"My thoughts are with the workers and their families at this hugely stressful time. I know they have done all they can over the last decade to accommodate the changing global market, ownership and government priorities. Now is not the time for Liberty to repay that loyalty by cutting highly skilled workers from a strategic industry that we need more than ever."

Liberty Steel website

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News: Metalysis continue to aid hunt for oxygen on the Moon

Rotherham-based tech firm, Metalysis, is taking part in more out of this world research projects.

The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) company holds the worldwide exploitation rights to the FCC Cambridge process which sees specialist powder metals created in a simple, cost effective process with significant environmental benefits. It is commercialising the technology to produce titanium, tantalum, and related high value alloys.

Selected by the European Space Agency (ESA), Thales Alenia Space is leading a €1m study to develop a demonstration payload to extract oxygen from Moon rock to sustain human activities on the Lunar surface.

For a sustainable habitation on the Moon, humans will need to utilise resources that they find on the Moon rather than transport these resources from Earth; one of these resources is oxygen.

Last year Metalysis successfully extracted oxygen from replicated moonrock (lunar regolith) which predominantly contains aluminium, silicon, and oxygen, as part of the research programme. The metal powder by-product collected during the process is also generating huge interest.

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Andrew Stanniland, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in the UK, said: "This contract award is incredibly exciting. The adaption of processes and tools to the space environment, many of which we take for granted on Earth, will be critical in many areas of our future. I am proud that our dedicated teams will be leading this study together with our valued partners AVS, Metalysis, Open University and Redwire Space Europe to solve the complex challenge of creating oxygen to sustain life on the lunar surface."

Metalysis has also been named in a project backed with £218,000 from the UK Space Agency.

Called "Developing In Situ Resource Utilisation Production Technology (DISRUPT)," the project will establish an end-to-end demonstration capability in the UK which would contribute significantly to the de-risking of technology used for In Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU). This end-to-end demonstration capability would allow many of the uncertainties present in the process chain to be understood and characterised; especially the effect of the regolith (Moon soil) collection and pre-processing of the feedstock for the Metalysis-FFC process reactor. This activity will be conducted in partnership with Metalysis, AVS, URA Thrusters and the Open University.

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News: Rotherham MP urges Business Secretary to get HMRC back around the table with Liberty Steel

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey has called on the Business Secretary to ensure HMRC get back around the table with Liberty Steel after the company was recently hit with a winding up order.

The company, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, employs hundreds of staff in South Yorkshire, including in Rotherham. GFG underwent a restructuring and transformation drive following the collapse of its main lender Greensill Capital.

In a letter to Kwasi Kwarteng MP – Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Healey reinforced the importance of the steel industry to both the local and national economy.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) issued a petition to have the speciality steel company wound up and in the letter, Healey said: "The Government's action raises serious concerns about Liberty's steel-making future in South Yorkshire and is highly unsettling for workers in Rotherham who yet again face hughe uncertainty about their future.

“Steel is a backbone industry for the UK economy and UK sovereignty…I therefore write to urge you as Business Secretary to ensure HMRC get back around the table with Liberty to reach a repayments agreement and avoid the risk of Liberty being forced out of business by the Government.”

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Liberty completed a £100m deal to acquire the Speciality Steels division of Tata Steel UK in 2017. As part of its most recent restructuring, Liberty said that it would look to sell its aerospace and special alloys steel business in Stocksbridge, Sheffield but retain its electric arc furnace at Aldwarke in Rotherham.

In October, Liberty Steel restarted production in Rotherham, following an injection £50m of shareholder funds into the business, which it said was running as normal with funding for growth in working capital approved through Liberty Capital. It was restarting operations at night to maximise efficiency and mitigate high energy costs.

Helaey said in his letter: "Liberty have made welcome investments in our Rotherham steelworks, despite the continuing failure to secure long term refinancing following the collapse of Greensill. Senior directors tell me that the UK is now the number one priority - ahead of their Eastern European business - for refinancing and that good prgress is being made. Of course, the jury remains out on whether fresh investment will be secured but this is made harder by HMRC's winding up order."

The letter also states that Liberty is saying that it has "not missed any regular payments to HMRC and is committed to reaching an agreement over repayment of back-tax in a way that also protects hundreds of steel jobs in the UK."

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News: Cti forge a successful year

Castings Technology International (Cti), is celebrating a successful year, following a management buy-out (MBO) of the business from the University of Sheffield in January.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the company is a world-leading provider of manufacturing, technology, expertise and services to the cast metals sector and global supply chain. It has been perfecting its technology over many years, working hand in hand with multinational blue-chip companies through both research and development and long-term supply agreements. The company now forms a critical player in a supply chain servicing multi-billion-pound contracts.

At the same time as the MBO, the business also secured a £2m fundraising round led by Nucleus Commercial Finance and NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Since completing the deal, funding raised has allowed the company to expand rapidly. It has invested further into product development; added to its sales and marketing infrastructure and resource; and expanded its world-class manufacturing facility, which is based at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Earlier this year, as a direct result of investments made, Cti produced the largest single component it has cast in its 98-year history. Made from commercially pure titanium, it is believed to be the largest ever titanium part poured into a ceramic mould. Tipping the scales in it’s shipped condition at 320kg (705lbs), with an envelope of 1000mm square by 600mm high, the casting showcases several novel casting techniques developed in-house at Cti, the heart of cast metal innovation.

The casting formed part of an order from an OEM Japanese customer and will be used as a high-pressure pump in a demanding corrosive industrial application. Titanium casting production is complex and requires expertise not only in metallurgy, but foundry methodology.

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The company has casting capabilities in almost any type of metal alloy and has a 1,200kg titanium vacuum melting capability, which ranks it as one of the largest in the world. In conjunction with customers’ design teams, Cti is casting complex components supplied into the aerospace, defence, chemical nuclear and marine markets.

Highly experienced engineer Richard Cook (Managing Director) and local entrepreneur Kevin Parkin (Chairman) lead Cti’s management team. They are supported by a highly experienced Non-Executive Director team that includes world-class foundry innovator Professor John Campbell, Graham Honeyman CBE – former Chief Executive at Sheffield Forgemasters – as well as Brian Robb and Steve Irwin, two highly-experienced castings experts that have worked for many years with Rolls-Royce.

Richard Cook, Managing Director at Casting Technology International, said: “It has been an exciting year for us, as the management buy-out marked one of the most important moments in our 98-year history. In tandem, thanks to the support of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, Mercia and Nucleus Commercial Finance, we have been able to push forward with our growth plans. We are innovators by nature, and this has allowed us to fulfil world-first orders and deliver on contracts for some of the world’s biggest brands.”

Sean Hutchinson at the British Business Bank said: “The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is proud to have supported Cti in taking this important step, through NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance. The deal demonstrates the impact that investment can have here in the North of England, helping to facilitate growth and create new opportunities, and we look forward to following Cti’s progress.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has provided a significant loan to Cti to support the growth business plan, with Andy Tyas and Pete Sorsby from the team at Mercia Asset Management leading on the transaction on behalf of the fund, with working capital facilities provided by Financial Institution, Nucleus Commercial Finance.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

Cti website

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