EN-Corporate-News-2024-Llanwern breaks production record
Llanwern breaks production record
Tata Steel UK’s Llanwern steelworks has set a new output record of 14,077 tonnes in a week, beating the previous record by 242 tonnes, following the..
University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is shining a spotlight on one of Tata Steel UK’s rising stars, whose commitment to learning, leadership and innovation is making a strong impact across the business.
A fourth-generation steelworker from Port Talbot, Joe Tobin joined Tata Steel UK as a Laboratory Apprentice at just 16.
Today, he’s a Production Specialist and Deputy Production Manager at Llanwern, overseeing a 100-strong department including the Automotive Finishing Line and coil despatch.
Joe was recently featured by UWTSD in a series celebrating Tata Steel UK employees taking their education further through funded courses.
He said: “Generations of my family have worked in steel. I’m proud to continue that legacy, but I’m also passionate about helping the industry move toward a greener, more innovative future.”
His ongoing Degree Apprenticeship in Materials Science and Engineering is already making a real impact on site – from a Six Sigma Green Belt project that has cut metallurgical rework and saved the business cash, to using Arena simulation software to streamline coil-packing operations and turn classroom learning into real results.
Joe added: “Course modules on management and manufacturing systems really stood out for me. They taught me how to use analytical tools to improve processes, tools I use constantly in my role.”
Beyond his studies, Joe previously chaired Tata Steel’s young professionals network, Magnet. Looking ahead, he plans to complete a NEBOSH qualification, pursue further Lean training, and progress to an MSc in Lean Manufacturing.
“Balancing study with managing operations hasn’t been easy, but it’s shown me what’s possible with the right support and ambition,” he said.
About Tata Steel UK
- The Tata Steel Group has been named one of the most ethical companies in the world, and is among the top producing global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes.
- Tata Steel in the UK has the ambition to produce net-zero steel by 2045 at the latest, and to have reduced 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030.
- In October 2024, Tata Steel ceased ironmaking at its Port Talbot site and temporarily paused steelmaking pending the construction of a 3.2Mtpa Electric Arc Furnace, due to be commissioned late in 2027 / early 2028. For that period, the business will import slab and hot rolled coil to support manufacturing and distribution operations at sites across Wales, England and Northern Ireland as well as Norway, Sweden, France, Germany and UAE. It also benefits from a network of sales offices around the world.
- Throughout 2024 Tata Steel UK has been undergoing a restructuring that will reduce the size of its workforce to around 5000 direct employees, supplying high-quality steel products to demanding markets, including construction and infrastructure, automotive, packaging and engineering.
- Tata Steel Group is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and a commercial presence across the world.
- The group recorded a consolidated turnover of around US$27.7 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2024.
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