Historic Sheffield metals firm Special Melted Products creating scores of jobs in £50m expansion
“The shift towards UK sovereign capability in nickel-based superalloys is increasingly important”
A Sheffield firm is spending over £50m on expansion to help end the UK’s reliance on US supplies of aerospace and defence parts - and hopes to create 168 new jobs.
Special Melted Products is building a new melt shop, forge and research department on Carlisle Street, opposite its base on President Way, Grimesthorpe.
The 260-strong company, a subsidiary of Taiwanese firm Walsin Lihwa, hopes to create 168 jobs by 2030 and triple revenue to £300m in the next five years.
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CEO Andy Richardson said Project Vulcan would boost “sovereign capability” - domestic production and control - of aerospace and defence manufacturing, which is currently dominated by US suppliers.
He said: “The shift towards UK sovereign capability in nickel-based superalloys is increasingly important for supply chain resilience and the long-term strength of the UK’s advanced manufacturing base.
“Our new premises will ensure we continue delivering for customers, supporting our people and maintaining momentum, while building the infrastructure for our next phase of growth.”
SMP, which can trace its roots back to 1842, makes nickel-based alloy ingots, blooms, billets, forged bars, semi-finished shafts and products for the aerospace industry.
Project Vulcan includes a 7,000 tonne press, forge vehicles called ‘manipulators’ that transport hot metal, and five furnaces: one 18-tonne vacuum induction melting furnace, two 20-tonne electro slag remelting furnaces, and two 20-tonne vacuum arc remelting furnaces.
Beyond the technology, Project Vulcan will create highly-skilled jobs, support apprenticeships, strengthen the regional supply chain and boost Sheffield’s economy, Mr Richardson added.
SMP borrowed £2.2m from Lloyds to buy an industrial building on Carlisle Street and is targeting full operation by 2031.
Lee Bloodworth, relationship director at Lloyds, said: “Special Melted Products exemplifies the high-value, high-skill manufacturing that underpins Sheffield’s ‘Steel City’ reputation.
“The team has a clear, ambitious plan through Project Vulcan to invest in capability, strengthen UK supply chain resilience and create skilled local jobs.”