MPI CEO Chris McDonald is hoping to get some positive news from Whitehall after a meeting to discuss some exciting plans for UK steelmaking.
Mr McDonald, head of the Materials Processing Institute (MPI) in Teesside, set up a meeting with Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop in Westminster to try to drum up political support for a project which could lead to hundreds of new jobs in the sector.
Mr McDonald has been keeping a close eye on the steelmaking situation, particularly in Teesside where it has emerged that the SSI UK plant at Redcar is facing an uncertain future.
He was joined at the private meeting by members of a consortium who are looking to generate private investment to fund a feasibility study which could ultimately lead to the creation of a new plant using a model which would be unique to the UK.
Prior to the meeting, Mr Blenkinsop had played a key role in a three-hour debate in the House of Commons where the steel sector came under the spotlight.
Mr McDonald said: “Our meeting had been arranged for quite a while, so it was pure coincidence that it was taking place on the day of this important debate on the industry.
“We are extremely grateful to Tom for keeping the appointment, and I’m delighted that he took the time to listen to the plans which have been drawn up by this consortium.
“It is a difficult time for everyone in the steel sector, but after such an intense debate I think Tom was happy to hear something positive.
“This proposal does not directly effect the Institute, but there could be spin-offs further down the line and at this moment in time my role is simply to act as an adviser for the people putting this bid together.”
Details of the proposals remain confidential at this early stage, but Mr Blenkinsop has vowed to take the plans to the next level in Whitehall and will ask for support from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills as well as senior figures in Government.
Mr McDonald added: “We have experienced tough times within the industry in the past, and I am hopeful that the ongoing talks will result in a positive outcome for all concerned.
“There are lots of issues to be addressed, but every option must be explored to find a solution.”
The MPI, which was first founded 70 years ago, evolved to become the research and development arm, firstly of British Steel and more recently Tata Steel, before returning to its independent status in November of last year.
The Institute, based in Teesside, is the UK’s centre for industrial materials research and has opened its doors to companies outside of the steel sector, to make use of its top class research and development facilities.