Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “British Steel’s decision to expand its operation in Redcar and Cleveland is fantastic news and will bring high quality jobs to a borough which has a long and distinguished history of steelmaking.
“We have been working behind the scenes with key personnel from British Steel and its parent company, Jingye Group, to provide an environment which encourages the kind of investment announced today.
“Generations of families in Redcar and Cleveland has prospered through employment in the steelmaking industry. The closure of the Redcar blast furnace was a huge blow to both our borough and the wider region, but British Steel has continued to invest in its operations and workforce at both Lackenby and Skinningrove.
“The expansion at Lackenby is a real demonstration of faith in Redcar and Cleveland and it its residents who provide the unique skills and commitment which will ensure the ongoing success of steelmaking in our borough.
“One of my key pledges when I stood for election earlier this year was to do everything to support good quality jobs coming to our borough. This is a clear demonstration of delivering on that pledge and I look forward to continuing to work with British Steel and the Jingye Group in the years to come.”