This page also tells you more about the structure and business of the organisations who have developed this site. In 1996 the UK produced almost 18 million tonnes of steel - enough to build a railway line 14 times round the equator. UK steel contractors erect enough steel to build a complete Eiffel Tower each working day. The steel sector contributes 2.3 billion to the UK's balance of trade. In 1996 the UK exported steel worth almost 4 billion to 194 different countries.
Steel is a modern material and is eminently recyclable .
Over the past 10 years the sector has spent over 2 billion on innovation, improving the way the industry operates and investing in its future international competitiveness. Steel is a surprisingly common material. So many products are made from it that steel is the backbone of manufacturing industry. Most manufacturing plant and machinery is made of, or includes, steel. There is barely a product on the market today which is not made either of steel or using machinery containing steel - and you can't make other products without using steel.