Hundreds of new jobs will be created as a Taiwanese manufacturing company opens a facility in Sheffield, it was announced today.
On a visit to Sheffield on Thursday, July 17, Investment Minister Baroness Gustafsson announced Walsin Lihwa will open a new superalloy forging facility. It also announced plans to upgrade its existing Special Melted Products (SMP) factory in Sheffield to create a research and development centre. The factory will be focused on producing speciality steel and nickel parts for aerospace jet engines and energy industry products.
In its first phase of development, the facility will create more than 200 jobs by 2028, with average salaries expected to be north of £40,000 per year. Once the forging facility is established, Walsin Lihwa said it will set up a research and development centre. In total, it said the investment will generate jobs and apprenticeships in manufacturing, engineering, data analysis and other high-value industries.
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Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said: “Our modern Industrial Strategy is all about having more high-paid jobs in the industries of the future, in communities right around the UK. This investment is a major vote of confidence in Sheffield’s world-class manufacturing sector and couldn’t match our ambitions better.
“Our Steel Strategy later this year will set out further support we will take to boost the steel sector and encourage investments like this, and we look forward to hearing from Walsin Lihwa about their ambitious UK growth plans, delivering on our Plan for Change.”
Councillor Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “This significant investment in Sheffield’s advanced manufacturing sector is a major milestone for our city and strengthens our global reputation for innovation and excellence.
“The investment is a strong sign of recognition in our city’s capabilities, talent, and ambition. It will create new high-quality local jobs and training opportunities as next generation technologies are developed in Sheffield. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Walsin and Special Melted Products long into the future.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Walsin Lihwa choosing to invest in SMP and build their new research and development centre in South Yorkshire is a huge vote of confidence in our region’s talent, innovation and expertise, and the advanced manufacturing ecosystem we’re creating here.
“I promised to build a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire, creating good jobs in the industries of the future. So I’m proud my office has been able to provide support that has helped to unlock this major investment, offering new jobs and opportunities, and bolstering our world-leading steel industry.
“We have always been known for our strengths in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and industrial excellence. Walsin Lihwa’s investment builds on our legacy, reaffirming South Yorkshire’s place at the heart of UK high-value manufacturing and innovation.”
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