The UK recycled steel initiative is helping HS2 to cut carbon in construction in addition to supporting hundreds of jobs in South Wales, Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire.

Parts from old cars, radiators and even shopping trolleys are all contributing to the construction of Britain’s new railway as they are given a new ‘lease of life.’

HS2’s construction partners have assisted the UK steel industry over the last two years, building the first phase of the high-speed railway linking London and the West Midlands. The Steel industry benefited from orders worth over £170m.

Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel, said: “HS2 is core to the fabric of the UK steel industry, which has around 40,000 employees and feeds into an extra 50,000 supply chain and community jobs.”

Over one million tonnes of steel are expected to be needed for this two-decade construction programme. In addition to 200,000 tonnes for steel rail, switches, and slab-tracks and an additional 15,000 tonnes for rolling stock.

Chief Commercial Officer at HS2 Ltd, Ruth Todd, visited UK steel provider, CELSA Steel, in Cardiff and said: “HS2’s vast demand for steel over the next 20 years, as we extend Britain’s new railway to Manchester and the East Midlands, is a lifeline for this vital UK industry and stimulates future growth potential.

“As I’ve seen here today, HS2’s supplier contracts with CELSA Steel UK are already supporting hundreds of jobs in Cardiff, Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire. Furthermore, the recyclable and retraceable products they supply aligns to our commitment to cut carbon in construction, as we strive to ensure HS2 is one of the most environmentally responsible infrastructure projects ever delivered in the UK” she added.

CELSA Steel UK and ROM GROUP (part of the CELSA GROUP) are responsible for cutting, shaping, and bending the rebar to meet bespoke requirements set by HS2’s construction partners.

An impressive £23 billion has been contacted into the supply chain with over 3000 UK-based businesses winning work on HS2 and a workforce of nearly 30,000 in jobs supporting the construction programme. Thousands more are employed in offices and factories across the UK supplying the materials, products and services needed.

The Government’s commitment to extend the railway to the north provides a promising future for British industry and future job creation.