Export orders drive increased production at British Steel

British Steel is increasing production after securing one of its largest ever export orders, a £70 million contract for port redevelopments in Nigeria.

The agreement, with Hitech Construction Africa, will see British Steel supply 120,000 tonnes of steel to help modernise the Tin Can Island and Lagos Apapa port complexes.

It is one of the company’s largest orders for billet – semi-finished steel which will be used for construction materials – and its largest order backed by UK Export Finance. To meet demand, the company is increasing steel production in Scunthorpe.

British Steel CEO Allan Bell said: “This is a record-breaking contract for British Steel and a major boost to our 4,000 employees and many more people in our supply chains.

“After government intervention last April, everyone at British Steel has worked hard to stabilise the company. This deal represents us moving from stabilisation to building long-term sustainability for the business.”

Peter Kyle, Business and Trade Secretary, said: “Hot on the heels of our landmark Steel Strategy, this is a major win for British Steel made possible by UK Export Finance, which is testament to the quality of UK-made steel and the booming UK-Nigeria relationship.

“Through our new Strategy we’re backing British steelmakers for long-term success at home and abroad, and this contract will reinforce British Steel’s world-class expertise while supporting jobs and growth in Scunthorpe.”