Corus support group targets buyer consortium

Teesside, UK - The Corus Response Group, which was established to support steel workers under threat of redundancy at Corus' Teesside Cast Products plant have met  to explore ways to secure the future of the Redcar facility. Bosses have already started a 90-day consultation period with staff and trade unions following the loss of a supply deal with a consortium.

In a statement, the group said it would look at every possible option to support Corus, adding that the plant is a viable business with a profitable future. This includes seeking new orders for the company and looking at whether or not support through the EU Globalisation Fund is an option.

However, said Geoff Waterfield, multi union chairman of the Teesside site, the main focus is on reinstalling the offtake deal and getting the consortium back around the table. "We have a viable and profitable business here for the future. Steel is the lifeblood of the manufacturing core of the UK.," he insisted.

Likewise, Alan Clarke, One North East chief executive and chairman of the Corus Response Group, said: "This is a viable concern, a business committed to its workforce and the Tees Valley and we have confidence in its future."

However,  added Clarke: "We do have to plan for all possible scenarios and have begun work to analyse staff numbers, skills and future requirements to ensure that if redundancies have to be made in the future, that every person affected will be given the best possible package of support to find new work and opportunities."

Jon Bolton, Corus Teesside Cast Products managing director, said: "We are looking at every possible option to keep this plant open as a viable business for the future. I am very encouraged by the support of all partners at today¹s meeting. The hard work is underway to protect the jobs of our skilled and dedicated workforce and to plan for their future welfare."

Local MP Vera Baird, who is in contact with prime minister Gordon Brown and business secretary Peter Mandelson about the situation, said: "The public sector and businesses have joined the fight with Government to save this very viable, profitable plant given the quality of its product and the skills and dedication of its workforce."