The news that the UK’s third-largest steelworks has collapsed into government control has sent shockwaves though the entire industry. Speciality Steels UK collapsing has led to almost 1,500 workers in Rotherham and Sheffield facing an uncertain future, after the company, part of Liberty Steel, was deemed “hopelessly insolvent” by the court. The failure of the third biggest steelworks in the country has brought to the forefront how vulnerable the UK’s industrial base can be when critical supply chains are bound up in overseas ownership, and interests. Brockhouse, a British owned forging company, has 140 years of uninterrupted manufacturing experience from our base in the West Midlands, and highlights the importance of resilience in steel supply, particularly for the defence sector.
Why Stable Steel Supply Matters for the Defence Sector
Steel plays a vital part in the defence sector, underpinning our ability to manufacture and maintain equipment where forgings are utilised such as submarines and armoured vehicles. The collapse of Speciality Steels UK and the reaction from the manufacturing industry and the UK Government has highlighted the “strategic imperative” for steel production to continue to exist in the UK, particularly for the defence industry. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that it would be reviewing the UK’s steel supply chain as part of its efforts to align defence procurement with national security and the UK economy. Procurement for the defence sector demands confidence and traceability, with steels which are not only of the highest quality but also free from supply chain disruption risks associated with steels from elsewhere.
Brockhouse: British-Owned, Traceable, Stable
Brockhouse remains exclusively British-owned, based in the West Midlands, with a heritage dating back to 1885. For more than a century, we have supplied safety-critical forgings, including components for armoured vehicles and nuclear submarines. Our commitment to our customers, and the industries we serve, sets us apart from other international conglomerates, who are exposed to the risks associated with foreign financial markets and opaque ownership.
At a time when questions are being asked about steel supply from high-risk regions, Brockhouse can proudly say that our steel is sourced via UK stockholders from within the EU, meaning full traceability, and complete reassurance that our forging capabilities are not at all reliant on Russian, Belarusian, Indian, or Chinese supply chains.
140 Years of Stability
Brockhouse is celebrating our 140th anniversary this year. As a leading UK forging company, we have lived through world wars, recessions, industrial shifts, pandemics, and global uncertainty. Our history is intertwined with Britain’s industrial and military milestones, including manufacturing the Brockhouse Corgi Scooter, used on the D-Day Landings at Normandy. Today, our forgings are found in the UK’s most advanced defence equipment, including submarines. With 140 years of forging excellence, we’re proud to be known for quality, stability, and strength, much like the forged components we manufacture. Brockhouse stands as proof that British-owned manufacturing can endure and succeed by focusing on reliability and integrity.
Investing in the Future
Resilience is about investing in the future; whilst other forging and steel manufacturing businesses falter, Brockhouse is pushing ahead with initiatives which will strengthen the UK’s industrial foundations. We have recently applied for funding through the Ministry of Defence’s support scheme, designed to boost productivity amongst defence suppliers. We are also investing in decarbonisation and efficiency, ensuring our forging operations are not only sustainable, but aligned with the UK’s wider industrial strategy. These steps are indicative of Brockhouse’s commitment to supporting the UK’s defence supply chain, ensuring that it remains secure for decades to come.
Backing Stability in the Steel Supply Chain
The collapse of Speciality Steels UK is a wake-up call for UK defence decision makers. The manufacturing industry is at a crossroads, between allowing overseas interests to dictate the future of the steel industry and steel manufacturing, and recognising that investing in British-owned, trusted, manufacturing partners is key. As the government prepares to set out its long-term steel strategy later this year, it has never been more crucial to support businesses which are exclusively British-owned, with a proven track record within the defence industry and delivering safety-critical forgings. Brockhouse embodies these qualities, and with a history dating back over a century, as well as an investment in our future capabilities, we have a reputation for reliability, stability, and consistency.
Considering a forging? Contact us today.
Brockhouse has a proud history dating back over 140 years. Our skilled workforce has been producing quality forgings for over a century establishing a strong reputation as a market leader, working with a network of customers globally. From our West Bromwich based facility, we offer a complete service including design, die & tool manufacture, forging, machining, and heat treatment for items up to 400 kgs in weight.
We pride ourselves on our ability to meet the challenges of fast response, high quality and low-cost solutions that our customers require. Our manufacturing facilities enable us to offer the widest range of products from a single forge.
Contact us today, call us on 0121 556 1241 or email info@brockhouse.co.uk.