Try GOLD - Free
Closure 'the only viable option' for steel plant
The Journal
|June 04, 2025
THE closure of a historic steel plant in Gateshead which employs almost 200 people has been confirmed. Union Electric Steel has announced that its operations in the UK will cease in spring 2026.
The plant currently employs around 170 people but its American owners announced earlier this year that it was considering closure. That move has now been confirmed, with the company saying it had made the decision after "a comprehensive analysis of the company's long-term viability in the UK market, including the impact of economic pressures and shifts in global demand."
Formerly known as Davy Roll, the site has been producing steel for more than 150 years. But challenges including high energy costs and inflation contributed to a near £6m loss in 2023 and a decrease in its workforce.
North East mayor Kim McGuinness and Gateshead MP Mark Ferguson had been involved in efforts to save the plant, but they have not been successful.
This story is from the June 04, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
Inspired Bruno drives through illness barrier
BRUNO Guimaraes battled through illness to keep his place in the starting lineup for Newcastle United's 2-0 win against Athletic Club in the Champions League.
1 min
November 07, 2025
The Journal
Payne inquest delayed for eyewitness reports
A CORONER will seek full reports and eyewitness statements before a final inquest into the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, a pre-inquest review has heard.
1 min
November 07, 2025
The Journal
Bowen to lead charge of Rhino
OLIVER Greenall and Josh Guerriero have called on the services of champion jockey Sean Bowen, as they look to land another knockout blow in the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase with White Rhino.
2 mins
November 07, 2025
The Journal
'Dangerous' A1 must be dualled, say councillors
COUNCILLORS in Northumberland have once again called for the A1 to be dualled over a year after the project was scrapped.
2 mins
November 07, 2025
The Journal
Newcastle success hinges on wide men - Krul
NEWCASTLE United need their wingers to ‘click’ into gear in the Premier League if they are to replicate their excellent Champions League form domestically.
1 min
November 07, 2025
The Journal
Sorry Mr Lauren, it'll be cheap and cheerful for us
We are knee-deep in November now.
2 mins
November 07, 2025
The Journal
THE UK'S MOST HAUNTED PLACES
HENRY Tudor's bodyguards are said to be among the poltergeists, phantoms, and ghouls lurking in Britain's most haunted place.
2 mins
November 07, 2025
The Journal
GUNNERS MUST HIT 90 POINTS FOR TITLE
JOLEON LESCOTT says Arsenal must hit 90 points to win the Premier League.
1 min
November 07, 2025
The Journal
Bright Barnes, Gordon woe and Mags move up
NEWCASTLE United continued their excellent start to their Champions League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park.
3 mins
November 07, 2025
The Journal
Ban smartphones in class, urges councillor
PUPILS in Northumberland should be banned from having their smart-phones while in school due to fears it is hampering their concentration, a councillor has said.
2 mins
November 07, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size