British Steel has expanded its European rail operations by opening a new long-length rail logistics centre in Italy. A key supplier to the Italian national rail provider Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), British Steel has launched the facility in Lecco.

It will enable the company, which was created last year, to meet the growing demand for its long-length rail throughout Italy where it has already delivered significant quantities.

Peter Smith, Managing Director Rail for British Steel, said: “We’re extremely excited to be growing our footprint in Europe by opening this new logistics centre in Lecco. It’s a new start for us and is based on 150 years of heritage. We’re working closely with our customers and suppliers to create an agile, effective and competitive supply chain.”

Synonymous

The new version of British Steel was established after India-based Tata Steel sold its Long Products Europe business to Greybull Capital last year. It rekindled the British Steel name, long synonymous with UK steel production before the firm merged with Dutch steel firm Hoogovens and was renamed Corus in 1999. Corus was later bought by Tata.

“This operation will enable us to enhance our ability to serve rail networks in Italy by providing a full range of high quality long length rail with just-in-time, and reliable, delivery anywhere in the country,” added Smith. “This is a significant investment by British Steel and underlines our commitment to helping customers across Italy improve the performance of their railways.”

Significant

British Steel already has a significant rail operation on mainland Europe, employing more than 400 people at its French rail mill in Hayange, complementing its main rail manufacturing operation in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. As well as being a significant supplier to the domestic markets in the UK and France, the company has also delivered to major projects across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

“Our customers recognise our rail products as providing excellent quality and reliability and Lecco will enable British Steel to better serve Italy’s network providers with premium rail solutions,” said Smith. “The Lecco logistics centre is part of British Steel’s strategy to grow our business in Europe and further enhance our reputation as a supplier of world-class rail products.

Infrastructure

“The railway infrastructure market is showing consistent long-term growth and we are always looking for opportunities to expand our customer base.

“Lecco sits perfectly within this strategy and I would like to thank the many people and organisations that have helped make today possible including RFI, SNCF, Brambilla Scalo, Eurologistics and Mercitalia. Innovation and customer service are central to our growth strategy and we look forward to building our reputation throughout Italy and working with our strategic business partners to further improve the country’s rail networks,” added Smith.