Hundreds of high skilled jobs are to be created in Sheffield after Taiwanese advanced manufacturing company Walsin Lihwa (WL) announced a major investment that boosts the UK steel industry and advanced manufacturing sector.
The plan will create over 200 jobs by 2028 in a first phase, and marks the first step towards the company’s plans for a major presence in the UK, with further job creation and investment expected from WL in South Yorkshire and the UK in the coming years.
The investment from WL will establish a new superalloy forging facility and plans for a research and development centre and come through an upgrade of its existing Special Melted Products (SMP) factory in Sheffield, which will be focused on producing speciality steel and nickel parts for aerospace jet engines and energy industry products.
The investment will create jobs for local workers with average salaries expected to be over £40,000 a year.
Once the forging facility is established, WL have also set out plans to set up a research and development centre in the UK in a next phase later in the decade, focused on strengthening the company’s capabilities in materials and digital technology innovation and contributing to a growing aerospace and defence cluster in South Yorkshire.
Walsin Lihwa Chairman Yu-Lon Chiao said: “The United Kingdom possesses a vast market in aerospace, energy, and nuclear power sectors that is unparalleled by Taiwan. This investment marks a significant milestone in SMP’s development and underscores Walsin Lihwa’s firm determination for global expansion strategy.
“Looking ahead, we plan to establish an R&D centre in the UK to further strengthen our capabilities in materials and digital technology innovation, while deepening our collaborative ties with the European market to jointly promote industrial upgrading and sustainable development.”
Gareth Stace, Director-General, UK Steel, said: “The substantial investment that Special Melted Products is making in expanding its capability and capacity is tremendous news for local people, and UK plc.
“This is sign of trust in British steelmaking and manufacturing, pushing forward valuable investment plans and establishing skilled careers. Special Melted Products plans mean we are onshoring supply chains for industry giants like Rolls Royce, meaning investment goes directly back into UK jobs and the economy.”