Steel manufacturer expansion to create 200 jobs

About 200 new jobs will be created over the next three years at a steel manufacturer in Sheffield, it has been announced.

Special Melted Products (SMP), a subsidiary of Taiwanese advanced manufacturing company Walsin Lihwa, will also benefit from a new superalloy forging facility and a research and development centre to be in place around 2030.

It is expected the new jobs will have an average salary of more than £40,000 a year.

South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: "Walsin Lihwa choosing to invest in SMP is a huge vote of confidence in our region's talent, innovation and expertise, and the advanced manufacturing ecosystem we're creating here."

The expansion will introduce new melting and forging capabilities which will reduce domestic producers', such as Rolls Royce, reliance on imports.

It will also help grow Sheffield's manufacturing sector, which was valued at £1.4bn in 2023, according to the Department for Business and Trade.

Investment Minister, Baroness Gustafsson CBE, visited the site this week with Walsin Lihwa chairman, Yu-Lon Chiao.

She described the investment as a "major vote of confidence in Sheffield's world-class manufacturing sector".

Mr Chiao, said: "The United Kingdom possesses a vast market in aerospace, energy, and nuclear power sectors that is unparalleled by Taiwan.

"This investment marks a significant milestone in SMP's development and underscores Walsin Lihwa's firm determination for global expansion strategy."

Gareth Stace, Director General at UK Steel, said the investment was "tremendous news".

"This is sign of trust in British steelmaking and manufacturing, pushing forward valuable investment plans and establishing skilled careers," he said.

"Special Melted Products' plans mean we are onshoring supply chains for industry giants like Rolls Royce, meaning investment goes directly back into UK jobs and the economy."

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