TATA Steel intends to cease operations at its Living Solutions site at Shotton, North Wales.
The business was established in 2003 as a downstream diversification using the Company’s steel to make modular buildings for the construction industry.
Regrettably the proposal will put at risk 180 jobs in the Living Solutions business. A full, formal consultation process will take place on a collective basis with the Trade Unions and employee representatives, and with all employees on an individual basis. The Company will explore all opportunities to re-deploy employees where practical and to assist those people leaving the business through a range of support services.
Mr Andrew Black MD of TATA Steel Building Systems said: “It is with great regret that, following a detailed review of the Living Solutions business, we have proposed to withdraw from this business activity. Living Solutions was set up as a pilot venture to explore a non-core business prospect downstream of our normal steelmaking activity. Given the continuing weak construction market and the impending completion of a long-term agreement to supply modules to the defense accommodation sector, Living Solutions has been unable to establish sufficient market presence to justify continuing with the business, which has never been profitable. Clearly this is a very difficult time for our colleagues at Living Solutions and I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has worked so hard to try to develop this business venture.”
The modular buildings sector is highly competitive and the Company has already attempted to address the business’s problems by reducing costs and through a restructuring that took place last year. Despite these efforts, there are no prospects of generating viable new business following the completion of the defence contract.
Living Solutions is a pilot development business of TATA Steel UK Ltd. The business operates in the construction sector, supplying a complete modular approach to construction, typically aimed at “single” living accommodation (Army Barracks, Student Accommodation, Hotels etc). The business has been in existence for 7 years and employs around 180 people, mostly at Shotton.
