Projects and Features
Investing in the Future
Barrett Steel’s in-house investments are preparing the UK steel construction sector for the next era of growth.
Barrett Steel is investing £7.5 million in state-of-the-art processing technology at its Scunthorpe Processing Centre — the first in a series of strategic upgrades to strengthen UK construction.
This expansion enhances efficiency and sustainability, positioning Barrett Steel to support the sector’s new wave of growth driven by data centres, schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and defence projects.
Kaltenbach Gietart Installation at Scunthorpe
The Scunthorpe site has now taken delivery and begun installation of two cutting-edge Kaltenbach Gietart machines, marking the first stage in the company’s investment to enhance steel processing capabilities at that location.
The arrival of the Gietart High Speed shot blaster and High-Speed Primer painting line represents a major milestone in the group’s ongoing expansion programme – designed to help customers meet the modern demands of construction efficiently, responsibly, and at scale.
These machines form part of a comprehensive investment plan to boost processing capacity, improve turnaround times, and deliver the consistent quality required for high-volume and time-critical structural steelwork.
Enhanced Efficiency and Quality
Together, these systems deliver a complete solution for high-quality, consistent surface treatment and finishing – providing the ideal foundation for fabrication and installation.
“This £7.5 million investment marks the first major milestone for Barrett Steel as we enhance our processing capabilities at our Scunthorpe Central Processing Hub. The project is on track, with many new machines set to be installed over the coming months,” says Barrett Steel Project Manager Stacey Garner.
“Scunthorpe is a strategically important location for us, with close links to major motorways, steel mills, significant stockholding at Brigg Road, and an additional 45,000 tonnes of capacity at nearby Groveport. We’re proud to be investing in the region and are grateful for the strong support from local authorities, MPs, and local businesses helping to bring this project to life.”
Building for the Future
For Richard Gawler, Managing Director of Barrett Central Processing, this project marks a defining moment in the company’s continued evolution as the UK’s largest steel stockholder and processor.
“As Managing Director of Barrett Central Processing, I am proud and excited to announce that we have broken ground on a major new project.
“This state-of-the-art facility, built on over 20 years of steel processing expertise, will increase our added-value capacity by nearly 50%. With this, we will deliver standardised, efficient solutions for our customers while ensuring faster turnaround times.
“At a time when the economy and wider industry face turbulence, this investment sends a clear and confident message: Barrett Steel is committed to being your long-term partner.”
Advanced Processing: Powering Precision and Productivity
The expansion of the Scunthorpe hub follows on from major investment in 2D and 3D laser profiling centres across the group, including:
- The UK’s largest 2D single-plate profiling facility in Rotherham, which is also home to the company’s Rapid Angle line.
- A dedicated 3D laser profiling centre in Dudley, housing nine tube lasers ranging from the Jumbo LT24 to precision LT7s, alongside advanced tube manipulation and cutting equipment.
Together, these facilities create a connected network of processing excellence across the UK – enabling Barrett Steel to meet every technical requirement with the highest levels of reliability and responsiveness.
As part of the Scunthorpe expansion, further installations are planned throughout 2025 and 2026, including new robotic plasma cutting and fabrication systems. These machines can process intricate profiles, notches, service holes, slots, haunches, and bevels with high precision-shortening project timelines and enhancing delivery for high-volume structural steel components.
Powering the Next Era of UK Construction
As the UK construction industry enters a new phase of digital transformation and sustainability-driven growth, Barrett Steel is investing to ensure it remains an essential partner to its customers.
The company’s strategy reflects a long-term vision: to build the infrastructure, technology, and expertise that will power the next era of UK construction – ensuring projects are delivered faster, cleaner, and more efficiently than ever before.
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to shaping the future of steel supply in the UK,” says Mr Gawler. “By combining advanced processing technology with a clear focus on decarbonisation, we are equipping the construction sector with the tools and materials it needs to build safely, sustainably, and efficiently.”
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