Tata Steel’s Corby facility has begun installing a next-generation tube mill as part of its £30m modernization drive. The Italian-engineered machinery from Mair Research, being assembled by UK firm Rapid Response Solutions (RRS), will replace two outdated production lines, positioning the site as a global leader in sustainable steel tubing.
Net-Zero Transformation Accelerates
Corby Works Manager Gary Blackman called this “a pivotal moment” in the plant’s evolution. The new mill complements recent sustainability upgrades including electric induction furnaces and an automated warehouse, advancing Tata’s commitment to carbon-neutral tube production by 2030.
Local Expertise Drives Installation
RRS Group’s Claire Mellows emphasized their “safety-first approach” to the complex installation, while project manager Nigel Chudley praised civil engineering work by Corby-based MPB. The project team includes Mair technicians overseeing commissioning – a rare UK collaboration with the Italian OEM.
Reinvestment Fuels Further Growth
A £12m land sale has freed capital for additional upgrades to stores, workshops and offices. This follows Tata’s strategic shift toward high-value products, with the new mill enabling production of lighter, stronger tubing for automotive and construction sectors.
Reshaping British Steel Manufacturing
The investment safeguards Corby’s 800+ jobs while establishing technical benchmarks. As Blackman noted, “This isn’t just new equipment – it’s redefining what UK steelworks can achieve.”
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