Walsin Lihwa, a Taiwanese manufacturing company, has announced a substantial investment in Sheffield, aimed at enhancing the UK’s steel and advanced manufacturing sectors. This investment will create over 200 skilled jobs by 2028 and will establish new manufacturing capabilities in the region.
The project includes the development of a superalloy forging facility and an upgrade to Walsin Lihwa’s existing Special Melted Products (SMP) plant. The focus will be on producing specialty steel and nickel components for aerospace jet engines and energy industry products. The investment aligns with the UK’s economic growth strategy, generating high-paid jobs and contributing to the growth of Sheffield’s £1.4bn manufacturing sector.
This move is seen as a significant step toward reducing the UK’s reliance on imports, particularly for critical industries like aerospace and defence. The new melting and forging capabilities will benefit UK manufacturers, including major players like Rolls Royce. Walsin Lihwa also plans to set up a research and development centre in Sheffield to further enhance materials and digital technology innovation, adding more jobs and apprenticeships to the local economy.
The investment is a testament to the strength of South Yorkshire’s manufacturing capabilities and its role in the UK’s broader industrial strategy. The development will support the growth of key sectors like aerospace, steel, nuclear energy, and defence, all of which are central to the UK’s future economic growth.
