A HI-TECH steel plant based on Teesside has reopened, allowing it to resume steelmaking production and support major research projects.

The Material Processing Institute has reopened it's Normanton Steel Plant which is unique to Europe.

The Teesside-based facility produces steel and specialist alloys for new product development and process refinement, as well as generating valuable income through its specialist commercial smelting business.

The facility produces a range of precision steel products including carbon, alloy, and stainless steels, occupying an important niche in the market through its ability to supply smaller orders that are uneconomic for larger plants.

The Institute suspended operations back in March due to the difficulties involved with the production team maintaining social distancing during operations.

However, detailed risk assessments have been carried out and staff have undertook a four-week training process to implement safety procedures that allowed the plant to resume production safely.

The not-for-profit research and innovation centre, along with the Normanton Steel Plant, play pivotal roles in several major research and development projects.

Chris McDonald, The Material Processing Institute's chief executive, said: "We are very much used to operating safely in a high-risk environment, working with molten steel and heavy machinery.

“Initially we realised our staff in the Normanton Plant were unable to carry out their traditional ways of working while maintaining social distancing, so we took the decision to suspend plant operations.

“We carried out risk assessments and established new working practices that allowed the plant to resume its valuable research role along with steel production for our clients.

“We are well used to dealing with risks in the workplace and the threat of coronavirus is just one more that must be overcome.”

Among some of the measures introduced is the creation of boundary zones, changing the sequence the industrial operation and introducing a 'buddy system' which involves splitting the staff into four teams of two to reduce the possibility of infection. Staff are also required to wear additional PPE.

The plant which also includes the UK's only small electric arc furnace for the commercial production of steel ingots, is supported by a suite of testing and developing laboratories.

Electric arc technology will also play an increasingly important role in Britain's transition to low carbon industries and the development of a circular economy, with its ability to melt down scrap steel and convert it into liquid steel, reducing the country's relience on highly polluting coal-fired blast furnaces.

The Materials Processing Institute has served as the UK's national steel innovation centre since 1944 having been set up by Sir Winston Churchill's wartime government just before D-Day to equip the British steel industry for post-war reconstruction.

Through collaboration with it's customers, the institute provides a range of technology and R&D based services.