Welsh engineering firm Systems Group has secured a contract from Tata Steel for the first phase of the refurbishment of its two continuous casters in Port Talbot, South Wales in the UK, as per a statement seen by PTI.
The Maesteg-based firm will carry out critical structural work and pipework replacement on Port Talbot’s two continuous casters, which is an essential part of the steelmaking process, turning liquid steel from the Electric Arc Furnace into solid steel slabs.
Key step in Tata Steel’s £1.25 billion green transition
The scheme forms a key part of Tata Steel UK’s £1.25 billion transition to greener steelmaking. Upgrading the continuous casters will help extend their life and support the company’s shift to low-carbon steel production, ahead of the planned commissioning of a new electric arc furnace (EAF) by the end of 2027.
Once operational, the EAF is expected to cut carbon emissions at Port Talbot by around 90 per cent, or 5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Talking about the contract, Ryan O’Neill, managing director of Systems Group, said, “As a local company, we are proud to play a role in helping secure the future of steelmaking in South Wales.”
This project not only supports the region’s economy but also helps deliver cutting-edge, low-carbon steel production, the official said.
Ian Ellis, Engineering Project Manager at Tata Steel and lead on the caster life-extension, said, “This is a hugely important project for Port Talbot and for Tata Steel’s future in the UK. This work will ensure our existing casters are in the very best condition to handle steel from our new electric arc furnace in the volumes and qualities demanded by our customers.”
Following the appointment of Systems Group, Tata Steel expects to award further contracts in the coming months for additional electrical, mechanical and process control system upgrades.