Port Talbot steelworks gets major research and development funding boost from Welsh Government.

The Welsh Government is investing more than £660,000 in research and development to help safeguard the long-term future of steel production in Wales. It is providing a grant to Indian-owned Tata Steel to develop higher-strength products at its sites in Port Talbot and Llanwern operations. The aim is to place Wales in the best position to meet demand for advanced steel goods for the automotive and construction sectors.

Ken Skates, Economy Secretary in the Welsh Government, said: "The Welsh Government has been working to support Wales' steel workers and this latest offer demonstrates our continued commitment to safeguarding a long-term future for the steel industry in Wales. Increasing the level of steel-related research and development taking place in Wales is critical if we are to meet the demands of the market and secure the long-term future of Welsh steel.

“Not only will increased research and development enable us to develop new products here in Wales it will also increase our competitiveness, help to reduce costs and enable us to reduce our carbon emissions. Ultimately it is part of our ongoing efforts to secure a long-term future for our steel workers, their families and the industry as a whole.”

This latest funding agreement is part of a wider package of support from Welsh Government for Tata that includes £4m of funding towards skills development activities across Tata’s Welsh operations and a further £8m investment in its Port Talbot plant which will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Except for funding for skills, Welsh Government support will be subject to agreeing legally binding conditions with Tata.