The future of steel production in Wales was at the heart of a recent visit to Port Talbot by Welsh Conservative politicians Darren Miller and Samuel Kurtz.
During the visit, the two Members of the Senedd met with the CEO of the steelworks, Rajesh Nair, to discuss the £1.25 billon investment and the evolving role of steel in the UK economy.
"One of the main priorities for the Welsh Conservatives is to ensure that government procurement systems are fit for purpose, making it easier for Welsh-made steel to be integrated into domestic industries.
The importance of steel was further emphasized by Samuel Kurtz, Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy.
He said: "It's absolutely vital that jobs are secured not only here at Port Talbot, but also downstream in the supply chain as well."
"The Celtic Freeport and the opportunities around floating offshore wind really excite us here in South Wales.
Mr Kurtz highlighted emerging opportunities such as the Celtic Freeport and floating offshore wind projects, which he believes could drive economic growth and sustainability in Wales.
He emphasized a three-pronged approach to supporting these developments: ensuring the right skill set for the workforce, creating a favourable business environment, and working with the UK Government to maintain business viability.
"Wales is open for business. We are a welcoming place for wealth creators and job creators alike."
Kurtz also stressed the importance of a diverse economy in Wales, acknowledging that manufacturing must remain a strong sector alongside public services, farming, and tourism. "We need a plethora of different types of industry in Wales. Manufacturing jobs are often highly skilled and well paid, exactly the kind of jobs we want to attract."
He concluded with a clear message: "Wales is open for business. We are a welcoming place for wealth creators and job creators alike."

Tata Steel's Lewis Clark shows Sam Kurtz and Darren Miller where the new Electric Arc Furnace will be located
Read all about Tata Steel UK's key policy asks of government here: https://www.tatasteeluk.com/corporate/news/a-strong-steel-industry-what-do-we-need
About Tata Steel UK
- The Tata Steel Group has been named one of the most ethical companies in the world, and is among the top producing global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes.
- Tata Steel in the UK has the ambition to produce net-zero steel by 2045 at the latest, and to have reduced 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030.
- In October 2024, Tata Steel ceased ironmaking at its Port Talbot site and temporarily paused steelmaking pending the construction of a 3.2Mtpa Electric Arc Furnace, due to be commissioned late in 2027 / early 2028. For that period, the business will import slab and hot rolled coil to support manufacturing and distribution operations at sites across Wales, England and Northern Ireland as well as Norway, Sweden, France, Germany and UAE. It also benefits from a network of sales offices around the world.
- Throughout 2024 Tata Steel UK has been undergoing a restructuring that will reduce the size of its workforce to around 5000 direct employees, supplying high-quality steel products to demanding markets, including construction and infrastructure, automotive, packaging and engineering.
- Tata Steel Group is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and a commercial presence across the world.
- The group recorded a consolidated turnover of around US$27.7 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2024.
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