UK steel purchase for tram tracks announced

Mayor Andy Street (centre, seated) officially opened Marcegaglia UK's new facility

The purchase of more than 860 tonnes of UK-made steel, for new rail tracks needed for the ongoing expansion of the Metro tram network, has been announced by the West Midlands mayor.

Andy Street signed a charter that enables government and other organisations to signal a commitment to using UK steel in major projects.

The announcement and signing took place as he officially opened steel firm Marcegaglia UK's new Oldbury facility.

The company may create up to 70 jobs.

West Midlands Metro has said it would expand in the future to serve more than 80 tram stops, connect 20 transport interchanges and link Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Dudley, Birmingham Airport, the NEC and HS2.

On Wednesday, Mr Street signed a UK steel charter certificate to support the West Midlands and UK-based steel industry.

West Midlands Combined Authority said in signing the agreement, it was making a commitment to buying UK-made steel for its future construction projects wherever feasible.  

Marcegaglia UK has just refurbished its Oldbury production base and is undertaking a £32m investment programme.

Up to 70 new jobs have been projected in the West Midlands region, on top of the 175 the company already employs.