Corus boost as £185m to be spent on plant

A blast furnace at the Port Talbot plant in South Wales will be rebuilt from next summer, improving its safety, environmental performance and reliability.

Capacity at the site will be increased by up to 400,000 tonnes a year as a result.

Kirby Adams, chief executive of Corus's owner Tata Steel Europe, said it was a major step in achieving its ambition to position Port Talbot as a producer of high-quality strip products.

"Our capital expenditure decisions aim to invest in those who invest in themselves. The commitment and capability shown by our South Wales employees to meet the challenges posed by the downturn, together with the constant support we have received from the Welsh Assembly Government and the local community and unions, are important factors that have led to this decision."