Plaid leader hails Shotton Steel plant as ‘vital’ to Wales’s steel industry

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has described TATA Steel’s Shotton plant as the “jewel in the crown” of the Welsh steel industry, emphasising its crucial role in sustaining steel production across the country.

During a visit to the Deeside site, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Llyr Gruffydd MS (Member of the Senedd for North Wales), and Luke Fletcher MS (Plaid Cymru’s economy spokesperson) were given insight into the plant’s operations and its significance within TATA’s UK steel network.

A vital link in the steel supply chain

The Shotton site employs 800 people and specialises in adding coatings to raw steel products from other plants before shipping them directly to consumers.

These coatings—such as zinc galvanising and colour coatings—significantly increase the value of the steel, making Shotton a key player in TATA’s UK operations.

Speaking after the visit, Rhun ap Iorwerth stressed that the plant is an essential part of TATA Steel’s operations and wider Welsh industry.

“The Shotton site is unique within TATA’s operations in the UK—it’s the site that adds real value to its steel products. It’s a vital part of the company’s operations—without this site and its workforce, TATA’s steel operations in the UK wouldn’t survive.

“Supporting an employer like TATA in North-East Wales is crucial, not only for the region but for the wider steel industry in Wales. Without the Shotton plant, the operations in Port Talbot and Trostre cannot thrive, and without the supply of materials from the other plants in Wales, Shotton cannot survive.”

Concerns over future supply chain stability

Luke Fletcher MS highlighted the ongoing uncertainty surrounding TATA Steel’s Port Talbot steelworks, where plans for a shift to new technology could have knock-on effects for Shotton’s operations.

“Plaid Cymru has been fighting tooth and nail to save operations at the Port Talbot steelworks. What happens there directly impacts the plant here in Shotton.

“With seismic changes taking place in TATA’s Port Talbot operations, we must consider how this will affect Shotton—especially in terms of the quality and nature of the steel produced with the proposed new technology.”

Plaid Cymru calls for government support

Llyr Gruffydd MS underscored the economic importance of Deeside Industrial Estate, where TATA Steel is a cornerstone employer. He urged both the Welsh and UK Governments to do more to support the industry.

“The Deeside Industrial Estate is a huge economic asset for North Wales, and TATA Steel is a vital part of that. We in Plaid Cymru will do our utmost, not only to protect plants like Shotton but to ensure they thrive.

“TATA Steel still has a huge presence in Wales, and both Cardiff and Westminster must do everything possible to safeguard the industry. Communities across Wales rely on a thriving steel sector.”

The role of Shotton in TATA’s global operations

TATA Steel’s Shotton plant is part of Tata Steel Colors, the company’s premier European site for metallic and paint-coated steel products.

These products are used in construction and domestic appliances across the UK and overseas.

The 500 Colors employees at the site are joined by a further 300 staff working in related company activities and contracting roles.

The site has an annual galvanising capacity of 400,000 tonnes and a coating line capacity of up to 600,000 tonnes.

Shotton’s role is particularly important as it adds value to TATA’s steel products, with the coatings significantly increasing the final product’s worth.