Major milestone reached as Project Invictus moves into the main construction phase of the new Pickle Line at Port Talbot
Tata Steel UK has appointed South Wales-based contractor Morganstone to deliver the Civil & Structural package for the new Pickle Line at Port Talbot, marking another significant milestone in the delivery of Project Invictus - the low-carbon investment programme that includes a new 3 million tonnes per year Electric Arc Furnace.
Awarded following a competitive tender process, the contract signals the transition from demolition and enabling works into the main construction phase of the new Pickle Line. The appointment also reflects Tata Steel UK's commitment to working with experienced local businesses as it delivers one of the most significant industrial transformation programmes in South Wales.
Andrew McGregor, Programme Manager for Project Invictus, said:
The contract has been placed with Morganstone for the installation of the process section of the new Pickle Line. This part of the line is on the critical path for the overall installation due to the amount of structural steelwork that has to be installed on the new foundations. Ultimately, it will support the new pickling and rinse tanks, which are used to remove the scale that forms on the steel by submerging it in hydrochloric acid.
The team now continues to work on the remaining civil and structural packages, as there is no time to lose in placing the remaining contracts, with new Pickle Line equipment scheduled to start arriving imminently"
The appointment of Morganstone highlights Tata Steel UK's commitment to creating opportunities for local businesses to contribute to the transformation of the Port Talbot site. Working with regional suppliers and contractors helps strengthen the local supply chain while supporting the successful delivery of Project Invictus.
Ian Morgan, Chairman of Morganstone, said:
The award reflects the capability, experience and commitment of our team and is a significant contract for Morganstone to be involved with.
We understand the importance of this project and look forward to working collaboratively with Tata Steel UK to deliver it safely, efficiently and to the highest standards."
Construction is due to commence next week, with Morganstone working alongside Tata Steel UK and the wider Project Invictus team throughout the delivery of the new Pickle Line.
Work across the site has accelerated significantly over the past 12 months, including:
- Major groundwork and piling across the EAF construction area
- Development of the new scrap receiving and handling infrastructure
- National Grid connection works
- Redevelopment of the former BOS plant areas and surrounding infrastructure
- Ongoing upgrades linked to casting and downstream operations
WATCH HERE: Morganstone MD Andrew Pettigrew talks about the new contract here: Morganstone contract announcement
WATCH HERE: New Pickle Line Groundbreaking December 2025: Construction starts on Port Talbot's "unsung hero of steelmaking"
Cold Rolling Department, Llanwern, South Wales
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$27.3 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2026.
- Tata Steel has long played a key role in enabling the UK economy to become more circular. Its products are highly durable, reusable and recyclable, It applies a sustainability assessment tool during its new product development process to measure the sustainability credentials of its new offerings.
- More information about the crucial role that Tata Steel UK already plays in driving the UK to a more circular economy, and its plans to play an even greater role, can be found in its recently-published Sustainability Report covering 2023-2025.