The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has reopened its Normanton Steel Plant, allowing it to resume steelmaking production and support major research projects.

Operations were suspended in March due to the difficulties involved with the production team maintaining social distancing during operations, Kallanish notes.

The Teesside-based works produces steel and specialist alloys for new product development and process refinement, as well as generating income through its specialist commercial smelting business.

It produces a range of precision steel products including carbon, alloy, and stainless steels, “…occupying an important niche in the market through its ability to supply smaller orders that are uneconomic for larger plants,” the firm says.

The plant is supported by a suite of testing and developing laboratories. It has a 7-tonne electric arc furnace, ladle arc furnace, vacuum degasser and continuous billet caster, as well as an ingot caster. It also has three induction furnaces.

“Electric arc technology will also play an increasingly important role in Britain’s transition to low carbon industries and the development of a circular economy, with its ability to melt down scrap steel and convert it into liquid steel, reducing the country’s reliance on highly polluting coal-fired blast furnaces,” MPI says.