MP says £30m steel mill investment will 'lift' sector

Lee Barron, the MP for Corby and East Northants, was "keen" to visit the Tata Steel factory

An MP has said a £30m development programme at a steel factory will boost the industry and create "skilled" and "well-paid" jobs.

Lee Barron MP visited Tata Steel in Corby to see the progress of a project to replace two outdated mills with a single, "more efficient" mill.

Mr Barron, the MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said the investment would give the workforce and the sector as a whole a "lift".

The MP said it would mean "good jobs, skilled jobs and well-paid jobs" for Tata Steel's employees.

Lee Barron MP was shown around the new mill at the Tata Steel factory

Tubes from the Corby factory have been used in structures including the London Eye and the arch at Wembley stadium.

The new mill, due to be completed in October, will produce around 250,000 tonnes of steel tubes every year, as well as a broader range of products.

Mr Barron said: "We've got to make sure steelmaking in the UK and Corby has a long term, sustainable, and secure future.

"We're keen on that both at a national level and... at this level [in Corby] as well."

'Very exciting'

Paul Ilko, Tata Steel's manager for health, safety, sustainability and environment, said the investment was "very exciting".

He said it would ensure tube-making would continue in Corby for "many, many years to come".

Mr Ilko added: "I've worked here for 36 years and this is the biggest investment I’ve seen."

At full capacity, the factory holds 17,000 tonnes of steel tubes, according to Paul Ilko