Following months of speculation at Workington’s TATA Steel, it has been confirmed that the site’s copper plant has shut down with the loss of 32 positions.

The company revealed last year that 75 jobs were to go across the whole site, with the foundry being the main casualty.

A rescue plan was launched earlier this year and hopes were lifted when it looked like a potential buyer had been found for the foundry. But, after extensive talks, the takeover fell through at the eleventh hour and the firm announced in June that its closure was imminent.

The last cast has now been produced and the foundry is being decommissioned. It is understood that the workers have been moved elsewhere in the plant for the time being, but it is not known what the future holds for them.

Mr Craig Scott MD of TATA Steel Projects said that “TATA Steel worked closely with unions and politicians to try to find a solution other than the closure of the foundry. Unfortunately that was not successful and so it must be remembered this action is being taken to ensure the future of the business as a whole. TATA Steel is committed to Workington and we now need to keep focussed on the future.”

(Source - www.steelguru.com)