Three hundred British Steel workers have returned to the business after a three week pause.
The company’s special profiles business in Skinningrove was put on hold, with staff furloughed as the recently acquired giant’s got to grips with the situation.
But the North East site of the Scunthorpe headquartered business is today back up and running.
British Steel chief executive, Ron Deelen, said: “Coronavirus continues to have a significant impact on people and businesses across the world and here, at British Steel, we’re committed to protecting our people, customers, suppliers and communities throughout and beyond this pandemic.
“To safeguard the health and wellbeing of our employees, and any other visitors to our sites, we continue to adhere to guidance from the 海角视频 Government and Public Health England. I’m proud, but not surprised, to say our people have embraced the many new measures we’ve put in place which has enabled us to maintain safe operations and keep supplying our customers with the products they require.
“Three weeks ago we paused production at our Special Profiles business in Skinningrove – furloughing around 300 employees as we adjusted to the difficult market conditions. While the market remains challenging, we now have increased confidence in our ability to navigate our way through this situation and produce the requisite volumes of Special Profiles. I’m therefore pleased to confirm these employees are returning to work and production will resume at Skinningrove. A small number of employees who were furloughed at our Lisburn (Northern Ireland) service centre will also shortly return to work on a phased basis.”
Construction and automotive industries, many initially halted, have returned, with British Steel feeding both, and many other sectors.
The business was bought by Jingye Group on the day the outbreak hit the global stock markets, having agreed a deal in November.
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Mr Deelen, who was chief executive of the acquired FN Steel business in Holland, before taking the role for British Steel last month, said: “I’d like to welcome back our employees to Skinningrove and Lisburn and thank them for their understanding during a difficult period for themselves and their families. I’d also like to thank employees who’ve ensured we can continue safe manufacturing operations at our other locations.
“With the appropriate safeguards in place, we’re maintaining production at our Scunthorpe and Teesside Beam Mill sites, including our two blast furnaces. The ongoing support of the Government, our customers and our suppliers is also greatly appreciated.
“We face many challenges in the weeks and months ahead, personally and professionally, and British Steel can play an important role in supporting economic recovery by protecting thousands of jobs and supplying the products and services our customers need.”
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At the takeover, with Business Secretary Aluk Sharma present, Jingye chief executive Huiming Li had told how the parent business had prospered in previous tough economic times.
A total of 3,200 jobs were saved, with British Steel having been placed in compulsory liquidation in May 2019, trading on with the Official Receiver and special managers at the helm.