Recent years have been a difficult time for the British steel industry and UK-based coil processing companies. The COVID19 pandemic, rising energy costs, and competition from cost-effective, overseas imports of equipment have led to financial struggles and many company closures. Despite this, in 2024 the UK steel industry contributed £1.7billion to the UK economy (gross value added), with 1,145 businesses operating in the steel industry supporting 37,000 jobs [source: UK Steel Industry report].
Crossroads for UK’s Coil Processing industry
The UK coil processing industry finds itself at a vital crossroads – aging machinery combined with a workforce that is losing the skills and experience of previous years means that business owners now face a choice: invest in new, modern machinery that can process today’s materials and automate processes to compensate for a reduced workforce OR risk losing business for good to overseas suppliers.
One of the UK’s last few remaining suppliers
Georg UK, as one the UK’s few remaining suppliers of coil processing equipment, is ready and equipped to supply the machines needed to meet this challenge.
Georg UK’s state-of-the-art coil processing equipment includes Slitters, Cut-To-Length Shears, Levellers, Edge-Trimmers and much more. Whether designed and manufactured in our UK facility in Wolverhampton, or supplied in partnership with our German parent company, Heinrich Georg GmbH, customers can be assured of the quality and support that only comes with Georg branded equipment.
The best-in-class equipment supplied by Georg is more than capable of processing modern, stronger, higher-grade materials – something that aging machinery is now struggling to adapt to due to.
The latest technological advances in automation and control also allows customers to operate process lines with a workforce that requires less skills or experience, optimise material handing processes, utilise energy-efficient technology; all of which allows for greater flexibility within businesses and the potential for increased profitability.
Georg UK offer more than just new equipment: refurbishment of legacy machinery, updated control and safety systems, relocation of equipment, as well as essential service and spares support are all available from our central location within the UK.
Government’s Strategy for Steel
The UK Government is producing a strategy for steel to support the delivery of long term growth, and is currently reviewing feedback following its consultation. The government is exploring opportunities to provide financial support for investment opportunities, identifying future market opportunities, the role of decarbonisation and transition to green steel, and how to attract and retain the workforce.
In the meantime, to see how Georg UK can support your ongoing coil process activities and help to safeguard the future of your business for the benefit of everyone, visit our Coil Processing Industry webpage.
