Steel firm set to re-employ 400 workers

Four-hundred steel workers who lost their jobs a year ago when a steel firm went into receivership look set to be taken back, it has emerged today (Thursday).

Allied Steel and Wire (ASW) closed its Cardiff operation 12 months ago - a move which saw 800 workers laid off.

But ASW's new owner, Spanish firm Celsa, has announced that it will re-employ 400 workers when it resumes production at the Tremorfa works next month.

A large number of ex-ASW workers have already been invited for interview to take up posts in the new Celsa-run plant.

Celsa Group controller Juan Carlos Orozco confirmed that production will go ahead in Cardiff and that 400 workers will be needed.

Michael Leahy, general secretary of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC) union, said he was delighted with the news, but urged Celsa to re-employ as many of the former ASW workers as possible.

"It's great news for our members who have suffered greatly recently.  We will be seeking talks with the company to explore how we can work together to make the plant a success," he added.