Sheffield must rise to meet this pivotal moment in our long steel history
Skilled people are more important and valuable than new buildings and kit
The humongous scale of development at Forgemasters is matched only by Sheffield’s ambition to build a new era for steel.
The company is creating a truly enormous machining hall, which anyone who has been within two miles of Meadowhall this year can’t fail to have noticed, looming, as it does, at 104ft high and the size of four Wembley football pitches.
It is one of two developments at the firm, the other being a new forging line of similar scale, all costing £1.3bn.
It is the biggest investment ever in the company - but the fascinating thing is it would have been cheaper to start again on a new site to avoid complications due to its layout and flood risk, insiders say.
But the MoD chose to keep it where it is due to the people - whose skills are more important and valuable than new buildings and kit.
The nation’s biggest defence company BAE Systems tells a similar story. It opened a factory in Sheffield not just to make artillery barrels but to be ready for expansion with the help of local firms.
It has a £61m order to make 150 barrels for Ukraine, with probably more to come. One can fire up to 5,000 rounds before being retired, which at the present rate of fire against Russia can be just two weeks, the firm says.
The MoD and big firms have recognised Sheffield’s expertise in a more dangerous world.
When defence secretary Dan Jarvis visited Forgemasters this week it was good also to see Clive Betts MP and the new leader of Sheffield City Council, Fran Belbin in attendance.
Coun Belbin says, as leader, she personally oversees work on the steel industry due to its significant economic impact in Sheffield.
She told The Star: “Sheffield is a city built on the steel industry; and it remains an important part of our economy and identity.
“The council continues to champion Sheffield’s industries, including steel, for the benefit of the city in terms of future growth and job creation.”
Well said, for it is clear that Sheffield faces a pivotal moment in its long steel history.
It’s skills are in demand, and our companies must be given every assistance to seize opportunities for the benefit of us all.