West Bromwich-based Steel & Alloy has opened the first phase of a ‘state of the art’ alloy processing facility equipped with three heavy-duty Street cranes.

This has added 10,000m² to the site; over the next two years, three new production bays will be added, allowing the company to ramp up its production capacity.

Max Coleman, Steel & Alloy’s operations director, said: “Our business is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and this new development is a perfect way for us to mark the milestone.

“The new plant runs high-strength slitting lines as well as flexible presses suitable for making lightweight alloy components, which are in high demand in the automotive sector.

“Vehicle manufacturers are making lighter and stronger cars, improving the safety of the passengers and reducing the impact on the environment.

“To support the supply chain, we need to produce lighter and stronger parts. This level of investment clearly demonstrates our faith in the UK automotive industry, where we are recognised as the largest independent steel processor.”

The contract with Street Crane (www.streetcrane.co.uk), worth nearly £1 million, included the supply of two cranes with a 35m span and a 35-tonne weight capacity, while the third crane is slightly smaller, with a capacity of 30 tonnes.

They will be used to move the large steel coils through the production process and have been fitted with the latest anti-sway technology to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

Each crane is fitted with Street’s heavy-duty VX hoists.

Steel & Alloy first started processing steel in the late 1960s, and it now operates from six manufacturing sites in the UK.

In 2012, it was acquired by Spain-based Gonvarri Steel Services, which owns over 40 steel and aluminium transformation factories in 19 countries.