Steel giant Corus has announced it is to mothball a Teeside factory resulting in the loss of 1,700 jobs.
The Tata-owned firm first warned of up to 2,000 job losses earlier this year after its main customer – a collective of four international slab buyers – pulled out of a ten year commitment that begun in 2004.
A buyer for the operations was sought to no avail.
This morning, Corus chief executive, Kirby Adams told the Corus staff how many of them are to lose their jobs from the Redcar, Lackenby and South Bank operations, all now set to cease by the end of January
“We are acutely aware that this will be devastating news for our employees, our contractors, their families and the local community,” he said. “We extend our sincere gratitude to all of them, as well as to the management team and the trade unions on Teesside, who have all worked night and day to try and avoid this outcome.
“This is the last thing we wanted and we feel deeply about what is happening. Sadly, it has become unavoidable, through no fault of our people on Teesside.”
Alan Clarke, One North East Chief Executive, and chairman of the Corus Response Group said: “This announcement is a devastating blow for the dedicated workforce at Teesside Cast Products which has remained professional and worked tirelessly in the face of uncertainty since May and also the local management team and trade unions, which have worked extremely hard to find a viable future for the plant.”
Lord Mandelson described the announcement as “very disappointing”.
An immediate support number has been established for workers affected by today’s announcement – that number is 01642 398975.
