As a local business with a history dating back to 1992, Marske Fabrication & Engineering Ltd has been passionate about supporting British steelmakers and UK jobs since our founding. We provide exceptional services for clients in numerous industries, specialising in structural steelwork manufacturing and much more. Steel is a foundation industry of the UK economy and has the potential to lead the way in the push to be Net Zero by 2050.
Talking of Net Zero, we’ve made huge improvements ourselves to meet our green objectives. This includes obtaining ISO14001 accreditation for our Environmental Management System (EMS). With the framework in place, we can make progress in reducing emissions and the impact on the environment, ensure legal compliance, and improve performance. Additionally, we’ve invested over £200,000 in three years on new plant (including an energy efficient CNC bending machine), new vehicles, and tools.
Outrage at decision to use Chinese steel on Net Zero Teesside project
Teesside has a long, rich history in the steel industry. For over 150 years this has been a key location for structural steelwork manufacturing, fabrication, and more. It’s in the very DNA of the area, a fundamental part of its identity. Therefore, there has been a massive backlash to news that a significant £4bn development in the region will import 7,000 tonnes of Chinese steel instead of supporting British steelmakers.
NZT Power is developing “the world’s first gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage”. It has been praised for the potential to generate 742 megawatts of low-carbon energy, sufficient to power over a million homes. The cutting edge technology will capture as much as 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
While there is no doubt that the project has merits, the key decision to use Chinese steel has received criticism from numerous stakeholders. Critics include leading steel trade union Community, UK Steel, and numerous politicians. Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley, was especially scathing. He said it is “frankly staggering” to import steel from overseas when British producers are struggling. More, it is a “slap in the face” to an area that knows the devastation of the closure of steelmakers.
Poignantly, the site of NZT Power was also home to the final Teesworks furnace. Therefore, it is even more disappointing to ignore the history. There are excellent companies in the UK that specialise in producing steel, structural steelwork manufacturing, and more. So, why not make full use of them and also support local jobs?
Is it really Net Zero?
One of the major criticisms of the decision is it will require shipping the 7,000 tonnes of steel from China. That could involve the heavy materials travelling over 5,000 miles. As a result, it would create significant emissions. On the other hand, the British Steel site in Scunthorpe is just 112 miles away.
Discuss structural steelwork manufacturing and more with us
So, if you want to work with passionate experts with exceptional credentials, including EN1090 accreditation, you can rely on Marske Fabrication & Engineering Ltd. We excel at structural steelwork manufacturing, roller shutters, architectural steel, staircases and walkways, fencing, and more. Contact us to discuss your project and learn more about how we can maximise value for you and achieve green goals together.
