Steel giant TATA is to close one of its UK businesses, threatening 180 jobs. The firm intends to cease operations at its Living Solutions site in Shotton, North Wales a business which was set up in 2003 to make modular buildings for the construction industry.

Mr Andrew Black MD of TATA Steel Building Systems said that “It is with great regret that, following a detailed review of the Living Solutions business, we have proposed to withdraw. Living Solutions was set up as a pilot venture to explore a non-core business prospect downstream of our normal steelmaking activity.”

Mr Black said that “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.”

TATA said the announcement does not affect its other businesses at Shotton, which include TATA Steel Colours, Panels and Profiles and other Tata Steel facilities.

Mr Michael Leahy general secretary of the Community trade union said that “Community is disappointed that TATA has chosen to back away from this investment at the cost of so many jobs. It is hoped that these job losses will not have a knock-on effect through other parts of the business.”

Me Leahy added that “We will take every step possible to avoid hard redundancies but, unfortunately, the nature of the Shotton site means that there will be few opportunities for cross matching and Community will look to the Welsh Assembly to provide the training and support networks to help these workers re enter the jobs market.”

(Sourced from profeng.com)