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ISSUE 1 SteelMatters May 2018 Your community magazine WHAT’s INSIDE

Steel sporting heroes 2 #steelheroes go for glory

Tywyn Triumph at Wizards league 3 Tournament Wizards League cup final results Full steam ahead A significant investment in ’s culmination of five years of dedication plan in a safe and efficient manner.” energy infrastructure has undergone and hard work by the 44 barg project bar or barg? Graham also paid credit to some the first phase of commissioning. The team, Doosan Babcock and many other The bar is a metric unit o pressure, newer colleagues: “Graduate Engineers Where does our new 44 barg steam main, which is contractor companies alongside many equal to 100,000 Pascals, which is Lewis Jones and Ivan Popov, and part of the Power Plant Improvement of our own departments.” slightly less than the current average Project Engineer Jacob Kelly have go? 4 project, connects Power Plants Andrew Chislett, Works Engineering, atmospheric pressure on Earth at shown commitment, attention to detail A, B and C to the network of boilers and has been involved in the project from sea level. and a willingness to throw themselves generators. the start, said: “There is a huge amount The notation bar(g) represents into being fully involved. They have, The scheme is an essential of work going on to improve our gauge pressure, ie, pressure in bars in return, gained plenty of experience replacement project due to the power generation assets. The overall above ambient or atmospheric that should stand them in good stead age of the previous pipework, but Power Plant Improvement project is pressure. for their future careers within this has been designed to comply with a key part of the business’s ambitions business.” the latest process engineering and of sustainability and our journey to As part of the business’s environmental legislation. energy self-sufficiency. It is also of such have eight tie-in phases to undertake commitment to keeping local Richard Charlton, Works Technical significance to the energy agenda in by November which involves some communities and stakeholders Manager, Energy said: “The , that the Welsh Government significant isolations of the existing informed of activities they may see or commissioning went exceptionally continue to support the investments main resulting in disruption to day to hear, council members were contacted well and I’d like to say a big thank we’re making.” day activities. These will require the full and the commissioning featured Egg-cellent effort you to all the team involved on the Graham Williams, Project Engineer support of the Energy department and on social media @tatasteeluk and Your donations go to good causes 5 day. This phase of the project is the said there is much to do: “We still Blast Furnaces to ensure we deliver to Facebook. ISSUE 1 | May 2018 SteelMatters SPORTING #STEELHEROES DO US PROUD! It has been a spectacular couple of weeks for our sporting #steelheroes as a Fab Four from the Port Talbot works flew the flag for Wales at the highest level. At the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, Day Craft Electrical team member Josua Parry competed in the Men’s 94kg weightlifting, while the Hot Mill’s John Davies and Engineering Director Mike Wixey were on target in the Men’s Olympic Trap. Wixey, who was competing in his 5th Commonwealth Games bagged a gold medal on the Gold Coast with a record Weightlifter Joshua Parry Sevens star Jacob Flynn winning score of 46. It was, however, a team effort for the Wixey’s, with Mike’s wife Sarah also making the podium, winning Bronze in the Trap shooting competition. Mike’s success helped Team Wales to a record 10 Gold medals, with a total of 36 medals won during the competition, equalling the highest ever total for an overseas games and a seventh-place finish in the medal table. Meanwhile, the Cold Mill’s Jacob Flynn was taking part in the Wales squad at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, facing off against Argentina, the USA and France in the pool stages of the tournament. Engineering Director Mike Wixey The Hot Mill’s John Davies Welsh Government announces plan to support steel suppliers

A new Welsh Government scheme produce high-quality and sophisticated are likely to use steel as a critical has been launched to increase products. component. It suggests they may opportunities for Welsh and UK steel “Measures like the new PAN will include but are not limited to: suppliers when delivering public sector reinforce efforts to deliver a sustainable n Infrastructure projects – such as rail projects. future for the steel industry in Wales.” and roads; Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford Professor Drakeford added: “The n projects – such as the published the new Procurement publication of the PAN is part of our building of and or refurbishment of Advice Note (PAN) following ongoing commitment to support the prisons, hospitals, universities, housing, recommendations made in the Steel long-term viability of steel making in community centres, bridges and Report by the Task Force Wales and recognises the importance schools; from January 2016, which identified of steel to the Welsh and UK economy n Flood defences. public procurement as an area of as a provider of highly-skilled, well- support for the steel industry in Wales paid jobs – both directly and in the Professor Drakeford added: “This and the UK. supply chain – and as a key investor is a further example of the Welsh Steve Smith, Director of UK in further education and research and Government’s commitment to Transformation, said: “We welcome development.” providing opportunities for local moves to strengthen procurement The PAN will provide clarity to the suppliers to engage in public contracts guidelines and give Welsh steelmakers Welsh public sector on approaches – either directly or through the supply greater opportunities to see their which should be adopted to open up chain – and is part of our wider support steel used in projects on their sub-contract opportunities for Welsh package for the steel sector in Wales. doorstep. and UK steel suppliers. ”It also highlights our ongoing policy The Welsh Government has issued a new procurement notice which aims to “With a highly skilled workforce It encourages public sector bodies to of using public procurement to support increase opportunities for UK steelmakers and increasingly invested assets, we determine which of their procurements ethical business practices.”

2 SteelMatters ISSUE 1 | May 2018 DEAR NEIGHBOUR Everybody TYWYN TRIUMPH needs good neighbours As Hub Director of Port Talbot works, I’m pleased to be able to write to you in this, the first edition of our new community newspaper. It’s been two-and-a-half years since the last edition of SA13, which was an extremely challenging time for our site. I know we’ve been quiet, but that’s because we’ve been focusing on delivering the transformation programme that will allow us to build a sustainable steel industry in Wales for many generations to come. Lots of things have changed since then too, but some things have remained constant. You, the people of Port Talbot, have been our neighbours for over a hundred years and have experienced the highs and lows of the last few years with us, either as part of the business or through family and friends. Our relationship may have changed as the works have evolved and we Tywyn were jumping for joy after winning both the netball and rugby competitions in this year’s Tata Steel Wizards League have passed through the hands of different owners, but you are still here. Tywyn Primary girls and boys showed The league is made up of 16 primary You have stood by us, fought for us real mettle to once again claim schools in the Port Talbot area with and supported us when we needed victory in both the netball and rugby weekly fixtures in both netball and it most. competitions at this year’s Tata Steel rugby taking place across the town. As the TV theme tune says, Wizards League final. Built around fun, the league “Everybody needs good neighbours” The event was held at Llandarcy introduces children to team sports in a and this is now more true than ever Academy of Sport, attended by around safe environment, where competition with the continuing challenges our 80 players and was a round-robin is encouraged but participation is business faces. So just as you have competition with each team playing praised. been good neighbours to us we are three games before the champions Chris Davies, marketing and trying to be better neighbours to you. were announced. commercial manager for the club, said: So for some time we have had in While Tywyn was dominant in “We are very passionate about sport place our Community Support Line most of their games there was stiff and providing the right opportunities where local residents can get in touch competition from Blaenbaglan Primary, to children at RFC. 24/7. We’re refocussing our attention Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan “As a result of the tremendous work on the Port Talbot community and and from Primary, whose that goes in by the teachers, we have making sure we get more people out players gave 100 per cent until the final managed to put sport in Port Talbot and about in the neighbourhood. whistles. The competition gave local youngsters the chance to get involved in sports back on the map.” We’ve re-introduced this free quarterly newspaper so that you can stay informed about what is happening at our Port Talbot works and the things we are doing in Giving wings to innovation our community. And we are now proactively notifying the public A new research and innovation centre Bimlendra said: “Swansea University, manufacturing. through our social media channels – opened by First Minister Carwyn together with the University of “This move shows Tata Steel’s long- and via email if there is likely to be Jones – is set to deliver a “win-win” for Warwick, is part of our two-hub term commitment to research and disruption caused by maintenance Tata Steel and Swansea University as strategy for collaborative research and development within the UK.” work on site and to the extent it is researchers gain exposure to real-world development with universities. Speaking at the launch, Carwyn planned, we will of course also inform problems while the company offers the “Integrating this new facility at Jones said: “Today is an important step you through the usual communication resources and expertise needed to get Swansea with our existing network of in ensuring the future is a bright one channels. ideas off the ground. researchers at different universities in for the steel industry in Wales.” Finally, we continue to invest The opening of The Steel and Metals UK is a stepping stone to our win-win He added: “This is an industry of the in our assets, which will help with Institute marks a new approach to approach to innovation. future we want to see thrive, not just stabilising our processes and will Tata Steel’s UK R&D, with facilities “Researchers get real-world survive. We are committed to helping reduce our impact on the now based at Swansea University and problems to solve and Tata Steel brings future-proof industry in Wales.” environment. University of Warwick – engineers its expertise and resources to give The new centre will ultimately have a We know that and researchers at the Institute will be wings to innovative ideas.” combination of metallurgists, product “neighbours should be working on a range of new materials The Steel and Metals Institute is engineers, data scientists, researchers there for one another” to meet emerging needs for next- the forerunner to the UK National and technicians. Tata Steel will provide and “that’s when good generation in hybrid and electric Steel Innovation Centre, which will be more than 40 industry R&D staff to neighbours become cars, energy-efficient buildings and funded through the City work alongside 20 new Swansea good friends” and we innovative food packaging. deal and is due to be operational by University research staff. are working hard As well as the First Minister, the 2020. The company has also committed to get back to launch was attended by Bimlendra Professor Davies added: “We are annual funding to contribute to the UK CEO Bimlendra Jha with Professor that position. Jha, Tata Steel UK’s CEO, and Professor delighted to be collaborating with running of the institute and donated a Richard B Davies, Swansea University Richard B Davies, Swansea University’s Tata Steel – advanced steels research wide range of research equipment to Vice-Chancellor, and First Minister Carwyn Vice-Chancellor. is crucial for the nation, and for the University. Jones at the opening Jon 3 ISSUE 1 | May 2018

4 SteelMatters ISSUE 1 | May 2018 FROM TATA STEEL WITH LOVE EGG-CEEDS EXPECTATIONS We had a fantastic response to this year’s From Tata Steel, with Love Easter Egg appeal, with more than 400 eggs donated by generous employees from the Llanwern and Port Talbot sites. Thanks to your generosity this year, the Tata Steel Easter Bunny was once again able to support some of the area’s most worthy causes – including Llamau, Ty Hafan, Port Talbot Hospital Children’s Centre, Port Talbot Foodbank, the Royal Gwent Children’s Ward, Action for Children, and many more. This year, we were also supported by our friends at The Wave and Swansea Sound who helped distribute the eggs far and wide. The Wave presenters Leigh and Claire from Breakfast, Siany from Drive Time and Steve Dewitt from Swansea Sound popped into Port Talbot works with the minivan to pick up hundreds of eggs. Thanks again to everyone who was able to contribute this year and helped make the campaign a success. Easter treats were delivered to good causes The team from The Wave dropped in to help distribute the eggs

Colleagues have scrambled to donate Easter Eggs An egg-straordinary amount of chocolate delights were donated MILLION MAKERS TRIUMPH AT NATIONAL AWARDS Having successfully raised £38,862 in for their efforts in aid of the Prince’s aid of The Prince’s Trust Team Tata Steel Trust. Over the six months, the team’s were invited to attend the National performance has been incredible. Prince’s Trust Awards at The Palladium, “Not only have they been able to on 6 March. raise a substantial amount of money The event, hosted by Ant and Dec for the Trust, their innovation and and attended by The Prince of Wales as creativity has also had real business patron of the charity brought together benefits, and of course the graduates all the winning teams across the UK for have developed new skills which will a night of celebration and recognition. further benefit the business during As well as being in the running to their careers.” claim the top prize of Most Money Attending the ceremony on behalf Raised, Team Tata Steel were also of Team Tata Steel were Bethany nominated for two more awards, the Carnegie, Kieron Barnard, Charlotte Creativity Award, which recognises The Million Makers scooped Rathbone, Nicholas Giles, Jamie innovation in fundraising and the The team wait to hear the results Tata Steel’s Million Makers celebrate their success the Impact Award Robison and Julian Leak. They were Impact Award which recognises the supported by Nathan Ace, one of the additional impact a funding stream . opportunity to represent Wales in the national level for the impact our team mentors and Business Sponsor, might have outside of raising money Team treasurer Kieron Barnard said the UK-wide competition has been projects have and will continue to have Andy Dunbar. for the Prince’s Trust. “Being part of Team Tata Steel has been amazing. has far surpassed our expectations.” Also part of the award-winning team Team Tata Steel were winners in a fantastic experience. “We knew that as a team we could Community Liaison Manager and were Tata Steel Apprentices Shawn the Impact Award category, beating “We were delighted to be crowned achieve something special when team mentor Lucy James said: “I am Exon and Joseph Tobin, Graduate competition from other national Welsh champions after a very we started our journey in May 2017, absolutely delighted that Team Tata Richard Morgan and mentor Lucy employers such as Hallmark, Atos and close competition and getting the but to then be further recognised at Steel has been recognised nationally James.

5 ISSUE 1 | May 2018 SteelMatters

Water great job!

The group gathers to celebrate the completion of the weir refurbishment project

Representatives from Tata Steel, Council, and the Afan Valley Angling supply the steelworks. ABP, Natural Resource Wales as well Club. Gareth Freeguard, Works Engineer as local dignitaries and the Angling Tata Steel representatives Gareth Energy attended the ceremony on Association gathered at Blanco’s Hotel Freeguard, Fiona Abbott and Chris behalf of Tata Steel and spoke about recently to celebrate the completion of Roberts have regularly attended the the importance of the project to the a refurbishment project to the Green ‘Afan Water Management Group’ business at the celebratory event at Park Weir. meetings to ensure there was Blanco’s Hotel. The weir, which had been in its continuity of water supply to the works “Tata Steel has played a key role in previous form since the 1890’s exists to during the extensive works. supporting the regeneration of Green impound water in the Afan River which This vital £2.7m renovation project Park Weir and is pleased to see many flows down a feeder channel to Port was completed by local construction years of planning come to a positive Talbot dock, providing water for dock company Andrew Scott between conclusion,“ said Gareth. operations and to Tata Steel for cooling June 2016 and September 2017. It will “The improvements will ensure and other essential purposes at the The Green Park Weir provide huge benefits to the River continuity of supply to the Port Talbot Port Talbot site. Afan in terms of improved water works, which is essential for the The Green Park Weir improvement The group brings together key management, increased water process and we will also project was the result of several years stakeholders and is composed of for local businesses and safeguarding work with the Afan Valley Angling Club of collaboration between members Associated British Ports (ABP), Natural the well-being of future generations to ensure that we can assist with the of the Water Management Resources Wales (NRW), Tata Steel (UK), in the area. It will ensure the security migration of fish stocks up and down Group. Port Talbot County Borough of the river and its long term ability to the river.” Gareth Freeguard, Works Engineer Energy Sculpture celebrates close ties with hospital

A visually stunning sculpture has been any injuries, it has a particularly close working on the sculpture, which is “This sculpture represents the close unveiled at Morriston Hospital’s Welsh relationship with the Port Talbot made entirely from steel. Immediately ties we have with the centre, which Centre for Burns and Plastic site and Community union paid for eye-catching, it’s made even more provides an essential service to the Surgery. its production and installation in a striking by the fact that it has been community and is a leader in its The rusting steel sculpture, the courtyard within the centre. purposefully allowed to rust. field.” Lady of Llyn Y Fan Fach, uses the The sculpture commemorating that “I wanted the steel to come through ABMU Chairman Andrew Davies themes of regeneration and healing relationship was created by West Wales and oxidisation is a natural process,” added: “The sculpture is a reminder and was inspired by a tale from Welsh artist Sarah Tombs, using materials Sarah explained. of the origins of the NHS but also that mythology and embodies the close donated by Tata Steel. “It’s softer and less industrial than injuries and death in industry are, sadly, relationship between the centre and According to Welsh folklore, the Lady something that has been galvanised or something we still have to deal with. Port Talbot’s steelworks. of Llyn-y-Fan Fach was the mother of painted. It will change as time passes “That is why the Welsh Centre for Its unveiling was ABMU’s first official the Physicians of Myddfai, who used and I like that too.” Burns and Plastic Surgery is crucial to event commemorating the 70th herbs and magical powers to heal Alan Coombs, Head of the Port this region. birthday of the NHS. people. Talbot Multi Union, said: “We are “It is a global centre of excellence A sculpture celebrating the close ties Although the centre has links with The story is told in The Mabinogion proud to be supporters of the Welsh that has put Morriston on the map for between the and industries across the region, providing and The Red Book of Hergest. Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at world-class, cutting-edge treatment Morriston Hospital has been unveiled advice and information, and treating Sarah spent around 18 months Morriston Hospital. and research.”

6 SteelMatters ISSUE 1 | May 2018 Investing in the future Welcoming new Engineering Higher Apprentices

Tata Steel has recently welcomed the Central Engineering Department where professional engineers. of 11 new apprentices. their mentors will be focusing on the Higher Apprentice David Appleby After long and intensive stages of right standards and processes to make remarked how exciting it is to be interviews, the new starters are ready them professional engineers. joining such a big and well-established to go with mentors assigned to ensure “There are actually 10 new company as Tata, and how they’re their training is at the right standard. Engineering higher apprentices, we’re really keen to get their career off the Dave Williams, Competence also inducting one manufacturing ground. Development Manager, said: “The apprentice too as it’s a good chance for Dave added: “The induction trainees will undergo a two-week networking.” process of these new trainees is a induction program and will include With a mix of Mechanical, Electrical, continuation of the Engineering Talent safety awareness, asset management, Software and Civil and Structural stream program already running, Isolation and Immobilisation disciplines, these new starters will and highlights Tata’s investment in procedures through to Process Safety. undergo a two-year training plan that talent development and succession “From there, they’ll be based in the will see them become fully qualified planning.” The new trainees at the Tata Training Academy Testing times for Tata Steel apprentices Tata Steel apprentices based in Port Talbot and Llanwern are reaching the final furlong of their four-year programmes as they take on their Trade Tests to confirm the craft skills learned during the apprenticeship have been completed to the correct standards. The tests – being carried out in the Strip and Repair Bay at Port Talbot’s Central Engineering Shop (CES) and Llanwern’s Central Engineering Workshop (CEW) – will see a total of 25 young colleagues assessed against company standards. David Williams, Competence Development Manager, said: “The apprentice trade tests represent the culmination of a four-year training programme to train and develop the craftsmen of the future, for our business. “During their training, the Apprentices have been completing their trade tests apprentice’s spent time in local colleges and at Port Talbot’s Training Academy, the close guidance of area mentors. part of the engineering teams. They Engineering Director also visited during The tests are due to continue until but a large part for their hands-on Once they have successfully completed will continue to develop within their the trade tests to observe and support, the start of next month, and May will training is carried out in the CES, CEW these tests, they will become qualified careers.” along with union officials Ian Williams also see trade tests for mechanical and Manufacturing works areas, under indentured craftsmen/women and form Mike Wixey, Strip Products UK’s and Steve Davies. apprentices in Trostre.

joining us – I believe young people are generally inquisitive and I hope TRAINEES you keep that quality throughout your career with us. “Because, like I said before, this Recruitment is an organisation that will give you COMPLETE opportunities to learn and develop – I at Tata Steel hope you grab them with both hands. “Bringing new blood into the Whatever your professional area, INDENTURES business is important for us as a healthy and whatever stage of your career organisation, it will provide potential you are at, Tata Steel UK is a Tata Steel celebrated the achievements future leaders who will continue to drive working environment where you of young colleagues when they marked us forward and build on the great work can get to where you want to be. the completion of their indentures with Tata Steel apprentices recently celebrated the completion of their indentures that has already been done.” a Graduation ceremony attended by Opening the event, Huw Mathias Follow us on social media to keep friends, family and business leaders. the certificates to manufacturing Jon said: “Nothing gives me greater said: “In total, we have seen 100% up to date with our Careers UK The event saw 16 certificates apprentices, with Works Manager, pleasure than seeing youngsters of all Apprentices who started their postings: presented to technical and Technical, Mark Bowen, giving them coming into this business, because programme graduate, which is well manufacturing apprentices with praise to technical higher apprentices. HR that’s where I started my career and I above the national average and is a Twitter: @TataSteelCareer given to a further eight who were Director Peter Lennon also addressed know our new crop of apprentices will fantastic testament – both to Tata Steel Facebook: @tatasteelcareersuk unable to attend on the night. the event, which was compered by Huw be exposed to the same opportunities as a business that develops its people, Instagram: tatasteelcareersuk Hub Director Jon Ferriman presented Mathias, Training Delivery Manager. I was. It’s fantastic to see young faces and the apprentices for their hard work.”

7 ISSUE 1 | May 2018 SteelMatters HERITAGE CORNER April marks the 50 years since the relaunch of Steel News the steelwork’s internal newspaper. In 1967 the Steel Company of Wales was nationalized and absorbed into British Steel. With this move the newly renamed company bid farewell to the previous publication known as The Dragon, in February 1968. It was subsequently relaunched to an employee audience of 53,000 workers in April of that year and was renamed Steel News by the South Wales Group of the British Steel Corporation. Featuring news stories about operations from all the South Wales sites, community activity and general information, the paper was posted monthly to all employees. It also featured a free advertising service. Our new community newspaper Steel Matters has been relaunched 50 years exactly after the relaunch of Steel News in honour of this historical milestone in our company’s history – although the circulation is somewhat smaller! April 2018 will is also a milestone for the current Tata Steel internal newspaper Delivering Our Future which is becoming a UK- wide publication from this month onwards. „„ What’s your Steel Story? Do you have any pictures, stories or memories of Port Talbot and the steelworks from years gone by? Contact us by email spukcommunity1@ tatasteeleurope.com or share your pictures with us on @tatasteelwales on Facebook or @ tatasteeluk on Twitter

KIDSEARCH How many school subjects can you find? SteelMatters Biology ChemISTRY GET IN TOUCH ENGLISH We’d love to hear from you! Follow us on french Facebook @tatasteelwales GEOGRAPHY or GERMAN Twitter @tatasteeluk HISTORY Drop us an email [email protected] HOCKEY Stay informed by signing up for our monthly electronic newsletter and for Port Talbot Works announcements www.tatasteeleurope.com/en/sustainability/communities/ MATHS newsletter PHYSICS Need to contact our Community Support Line? SPANISH Call us on 0800 138 6560, or email [email protected] Apply now for a Community Award of up to £250: WOODWORK www.tatasteel.sponsor.com Community support line 0800 138 6560 8