Llanwern Steelworks (formerly the Spencer Works) is located in Llanwern, east of the City of Newport, South Wales.
Built by Richard Thomas & Baldwin Ltd, the works was originally referred to locally as "The RTB", before being called Spencer Works and later Llanwern. The steelwoks is alongside the South Wales Main Line west of Newport, offering excellent rail transport for the works.
It was the first oxygen-blown integrated steelworks in Britain when it opened in 1962.[1] The hot strip mill pioneered the first successful use of a computer for complete mill control.[2] [3]
Steel making making at the site ceased in 2001 with the loss of 1300 jobs, and the 'heavy end' of the works was demolished in 2004[4]. In January 2009, Corus announced that it was mothballing the hot strip mill, with the loss of over 500 jobs.[5]. In August 2009 Corus announced that the hot strip mill would resume operations. [6]
While the site no longer manufactures steel, Tata remaining operations at Llanwern include a hot strip mill, a cold strip mill and a hot dip galvanising line. The works rolls 1.5 million tonnes of steel coil for automotive, construction and general engineering applications. [7]
Regeneration edit
A £115m renewal project led by St Modwen Properties PLC is currently transforming the former steel-producing part of the Llanwern steelworks site. The masterplan envisages 1.5m sq ft of employment-generating accommodation hosting 6,000 jobs, 4,000 new dwellings, community facilities and open space including 3 new lakes. Full completion is anticipated by 2026-8.[8]
References edit
- ^ The Welsh Academy Encyclopedia of Wales. Cardiff: University of Wales Press 2008
- ^ Megabytes for metals: development of computer applications in the iron and steel industry | J.Aylen
- ^ Natural experiments in innovation: radical adoption of computers and changes to physical and social technologies at Llanwern steelworks, South Wales | J.Aylen
- ^ South Wales Argus, September 2004
- ^ BBC NEWS | Wales | Fears for over 1,100 Welsh steel jobs
- ^ Llanwern steel mill to go back to work | South Wales Argus
- ^ Tata Steel web site
- ^ St. Modwen Properties PLC Investor Site Visit - 1st October 2007. Brownfield renewal in the South West and Wales region
51°34′31″N 2°53′34″W / 51.57536°N 2.89284°W
Category:Buildings and structures in Newport]] Category:Landmarks in Newport]] Category:Corus Group]] Category:Ironworks and steelworks in Wales]] Category:History of Newport]]
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