26 February 2026
Corporate News

Manifesto for steel in Wales

Tata Steel UK has outlined its key policy asks of the Welsh Government, with the 2026 Senedd elections only months away.

While major policy areas such as trade, energy costs and scrap remain reserved to Westminster, the Welsh Government has significant influence over several areas vital to Wales’ steel industry. 

“Policymakers and industry share the same ambition: a competitive, sustainable UK steel sector." Rajesh Nair, CEO

As the UK’s largest steelmaker, Tata Steel is calling for the next Welsh Government to:

  • Ensure the industry has access to the skills and talent pipeline it needs for the future.
  • Provide sufficient research and innovation funding to support the development and scaling-up of new facilities and technologies.
  • Strengthen support for Welsh supply chains through public procurement.
  • Address barriers to land development.
  • Enhance competitiveness through measures such as business rate relief.


Commenting on Tata Steel UK’s Senedd manifesto, Chief Executive Rajesh Nair said: “Policymakers and industry share the same ambition: a competitive, sustainable UK steel sector. 

“With the right policy conditions in place, Tata Steel UK stands ready to invest in people, technology and innovation, securing long-term prosperity for communities and for Wales.

“A stronger Britain depends on a strong British industrial base, and Wales can be at the heart of that. Success for steel means a sector able to compete, invest and grow on fair terms, sustaining skilled jobs, driving innovation and anchoring manufacturing across the UK.

"With the right policy conditions in place, Tata Steel UK stands ready to invest in people, technology and innovation, securing long-term prosperity for communities and for Wales." Rajesh Nair, CEO

“With a clear policy framework and a shared commitment between industry and the UK and Welsh governments, Wales can rebuild industrial strength, secure regional prosperity and lead in the technologies of modern steelmaking.”

Download the 'Manifesto for steel in Wales' here

See Tata Steel UK's policy asks of the UK Government here
 

Tata Steel UK CEO Rajesh Nair

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$26 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2025.
     
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