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GENERAL NEWS
Dr Hywel Francis
Dear resident
Welcome to Corus SA13, the new quarterly community newsletter for residents in Port Talbot and the surrounding district.
As a major employer in the area, we think it is important to keep you up-to-date with what is happening in Corus. Being on your doorstep does bring with it its own challenges, but wherever possible Corus aims to work with the community to minimise the effect of its activities on residents and the surrounding neighbourhood at all times. In a community like Port Talbot much of the local news is passed by word of mouth, and like chinese whispers the message tends to distort with each exchange, so that sometimes people get the wrong end of the stick which can create bad feelings and name-calling. We would therefore like to think that as a resident you would like to receive information wherever possible first hand straight from the horses mouth, so to speak. It is an inescapable fact that Corus is part of the regions steelmaking heritage and are grateful for the support we receive, and in return proud to be able to play our full part in the community your community. We hope that you will find this first issue of Corus SA13 both interesting and informative, and we would welcome any comments you may have about it. It is impossible to cover everything in just one edition so we shall try to provide a range of topical articles relating to our operational and community activities in future editions. The next one will be due out in July. Pleasant reading. Keith Farron, Editor SA13
As SA13 goes to print, Corus is pleased to announce the arrival of Mr Uday Kumar Chaturvedi, the new Managing Director of CSP UK, from Tata Steel in India.
Mr Chaturvedi, who was previously vice-president of Tata Steel Group, Jamshedpur, India (the company that bought Corus last year), is the new Managing Director of Corus Strip Products UK, having previously spent various periods of time working and studying in the United States, France, the UK (University of Strathclyde), and Lucknow, India. Mr Chaturvedi continues to hold a number of director positions in India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand. Mr Chaturvedis arrival closely follows two recent investment announcements for Port Talbot a 60m project enhancing existing energy recovery capabilities and 9m capital spend in its coke-making facility, bringing total investment since 2002 across the three Corus Strip Product UK sites (Port Talbot, Llanwern and Pontarddulais) to 400m. Mr Chaturvedi feels very strongly about corporate citizenship and has already indicated he is keen to extend Tatas ethos by actively promoting the companys values through trust, honesty, integrity and transparency, both within the workforce and the wider community.
Thumbs up
Dr Hywel Francis, the MP for Aberavon, thinks a community magazine for the people of Port Talbot is a great idea. He says, Through this newsletter we can come to a greater understanding of Corus and how its activities impact on a community, the economy and our environment.
Contents
Fan-tata-tastic - introducing our new owner Sinter stack silenced Dust-busting@Corus Making clouds from coke Energy control centre - on all for your complaints Careers@Corus Corus in the community Childrens competition Contact us 3 4 5 6 7 8 9-11 11 12
www.corussouthwales.co.uk
Front cover picture: Time to get your walking shoes on now that the weather is improving. You do not have to go far to find pretty countryside walks on your doorstep - like the bluebells in Cwm-y-Brombil woods. The cover picture was taken in May last year. For more details, turn to page 10.
GENERAL NEWS
Fan-tata-tastic
You may be familiar with Corus, but what do you know about Tata, the company that now owns us?
Its amazing, but just 12 months ago Port Talbot steelworks was in the spotlight following the acquisition of Corus plc by the Tata Corporation for 6.2bn. activity in mining and minerals sector (especially in Africa), so as to secure raw material supplies for its steel manufacturing group into the future. Steel is very much a global commodity. The acquisition means that Tata has access to established markets and distribution networks across Europe and North America whilst providing similar access to Corus products through India and the Far East. Tata has made no secret of the fact that it intends to increase its global steel production base still further through acquisition. Tata Corporation, however, is no newcomer to the world stage. It has already celebrated its centenary in 2007, and before acquiring Corus, Tata comprised a total of 98 companies spanning seven business sectors as diverse as IT, energy, engineering, mining, chemicals, services and consumer goods. For many in the UK, the name first came to light when Tata acquired Tetley Tea from Cadbury Schweppes just over six years ago. In 2004 Tata Motors added Daewoo Commercial Vehicles to its automotive range, having previously entered into joint ventures with Daimler-Benz, MG Rover, and other manufacturers in Spain and South America. Almost a year on from Tatas acquisition of Corus, Tata has done it again. Two months ago the Tata Nano was launched as the cheapest passenger production vehicle in the world, costing just $2,500. Tata also announced it had bought Jaguar and Land Rover from the Ford Corporation, in a deal worth just over 1bn. It dovetails nicely with Corus Automotives R&D expertise in this field.
1868
Jamsetji Tata establishes the Central India Spinning & Weaving Manufacturing Company.
At the time all our interest was focused on the effect this takeover might have within the global steel industry itself. The deal linked Corus with one of the worlds most profitable steel companies and has created the fifth largest steelmaker in the world with a capability to make more than 35 million tonnes of crude steel a year - five million tonnes of which is set to be made here in Port Talbot. In the same week that Tata acquired Corus, it also signed a $100m energy contract with BP to jointly fund the largest solar panel production facility in India. Indeed, since April last year, Tata has seen growth continue with a string of merger and joint venture
1932
Tata takes to the airways with its own airline, becoming Air India.
2000
ENVIRONMENT
and other ingredients ke co e, or n iro es ar ep pr nt pla The sinter the blast furnaces. to make a key raw material for
Example of sinter.
First we lagged the sinter plants main gas waste gas ductwork, but the solution has been not just a matter of muffling sound sources, but reducing the number and extent of moving parts and running plant at special levels. We have also added a state-of-the-art silencer, and efforts to draw particulate matter out of the flues continues. To test the noise reduction technology, some residents were provided with equipment to record the frequency and time when sinter plant noise is heard. The plant is relatively distant from local residents, but as many as 2,000 households are still thought to be affected by the noise. The manufacturer has agreed to replace the faulty equipment as quickly as possible, but installation and commissioning may still be a couple of months or so away, concludes Richard.
Silence is golden
Traditional silencers work by absorbing and muffling the noise. A reactive silencer, such as the one installed in the sinter plant, works by deflecting the sound waves back towards their source, which cancels out some of the unpleasant noise frequencies.
ENVIRONMENT
What is monitored?
Sulphur Dioxide Ozone Carbon Monoxide Nitrogen Dioxide PM10 particulates Airborne particles Typical monitoring station in Port Talbot.
Dust in particulate
Airborne dust has always been an issue for local residents, so Corus has initiated a programme to reduce the generation of airborne particulate material. The dust-busting programme pays special attention to areas most prone to dust. These include ore and sinter beds, conveyors, raw material crushers and road transport activity.
The project comes following a bad year in 2007 for particulate matter, despite levels declining over the past ten years - which is very good news. Despite the wet summer last year, we also had some long dry periods that followed a particularly dry spring - April 2007 was reported to be the driest on record. Maximum levels for particulate material are agreed with the Local Authority and Environment Agency Wales and stand at 50 micrograms per cubic metre of normal air. Normally, average concentrations are significantly less than the standards set, but it was found that in the Port Talbot area this level was exceeded on 46 separate days last year. It was thought the problem emanated from activities in the blast furnace area. However, when new fume extraction equipment was commissioned in 2002, it made no difference to reported levels for particulate material in Port Talbot, although it did improve the results significantly at local site level. Unfortunately, it is a fact that the close proximity of the motorway and other roadways, and the increasing number of vehicles on our roads, may all be contributing to the problem. Now, however, Corus is looking more broadly at the fundamental causes of dust. This includes not only altering existing processes wherever we can, but also looking at efficient ways of damping down dusty areas, either with recovered rainwater or more viscous liquids.
ENVIRONMENT
Just deserts
Local air quality can be influenced by alien encounters! Corus employees were as shocked as everyone else when they saw what appeared to be a fine coating of dust on cars, buildings and windowsills one morning in January.
The company received complaints from local people who understandably assumed that the dust originated from the steelworks. Among them were a local family who had hired several white limousines for a family wedding. Requests for an explanation drew an innocent nod of the head from all relevant departments until the BBC News website ran a story which revealed all. The dust had come from the Sahara and had been blown to high altitude by a storm there on 20 January. According to AEA Technology, which monitors air quality for the Welsh Assembly Government, the dust had been carried from North Africa, out over the Atlantic Ocean and then blown to the UK. The dust had been dropped over nearly all but the far North East of Wales, Cornwall and parts of the West of England. Saharan dust had also reached South Wales in March 2007.
More information
www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov www.environment-agency.gov.uk www.welshairquality.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT
Do you have a complaint about noise or air quality? Call us on 01639 871111
with your calls as quickly as al de ll wi we t tha tee an ar gu We environment is important the ing ov pr im e us ca be e, ibl ss po for all of us.
Any change in this data provides the plant operators with information that helps them plan the maintenance programme and ensure that the site continues to meet and improve its environmental performance. Some residents believe that when managers are not in the works at the weekend, all monitoring stops and emissions are uncontrolled. This is simply not true. Health and safety is at the top of our agenda for workers on site and residents alike.
CAREERS
Katies story
Local girl Katie Davies chose a Corus career path over university and has never looked back.
An accountant in the Hot Rolled Products division at Port Talbot, Katie has spent almost three years working towards professional qualifications, while earning money and learning the ropes hands-on. A resident of Baglan Moors, she went to Sandfields Comprehensive School and Neath Port Talbot College to study A Levels in accounting, economics and law. I applied for university and was accepted. However, when I heard about the functional traineeships in Corus, I was interested, she said. The decision was ultimately easy university equalled spare time, along with the worries of a high level of debt and no guaranteed job at the end, while Corus equalled full-time permanent employment in my chosen career while studying to professional level.
rking life so Im thoroughly enjoying my wo so much. far, I feel Ive already achieved
Mark Callingham, third year electrical apprentice, Hot Mill.
We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for progression, generous holiday entitlement, first class training and experience; in addition to local benefits such as free parking, subsidised meals, social activities and friends for life! Corus actively seeks to recruit apprentices and functional trainees for engineering, manufacturing, technical and business functions. It offers Government-approved Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (AMAs), while training and development by functional area allows new recruits to be part of an apprenticeship where they can learn and study towards NVQ qualifications while gaining invaluable experience. Were a company that places real commitment on work life balance and is truly dedicated to ongoing training and development, scope for career progression, opportunity and advancement within chosen career paths, says Susan.In order to maintain and continue to achieve outstanding results, we look for people who have certain qualities to fit our culture. These include: drive, enthusiasm, ideas, commitment, flexibility, imagination, team player abilities and communication skills. Apprentice and functional trainee students who succeed in Corus are those who benchmark their own achievements against those of their peers, respect the community around them and simply work hard. We need passionate people, determined to make Corus a success. Katies main duties include working on weekly financial and statistical reports alongside the Hot Rolled Products management team, area engineers and team leaders to achieve cost reductions and budgetary control. Currently studying with the Association of Accounting Technicians and due to sit her final three exams this summer, from September shell be studying with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Im thoroughly enjoying my working life so far, said Katie. I feel Ive already achieved so much. I was successful in applying for a permanent position as the accountant for Hot Rolled Products after 18 months and have so far been successful in every one of the accountancy exams Ive sat. In five years time, I see myself still working within finance and possibly the Management Accounting department at Port Talbot. Through building on my knowledge and experience to date, I hope to be working at the level above which I am currently, as a management accountant. If youre interested in taking up a Corus apprenticeship, please visit www.corusgroup.com/en/careers/recruitment/ apprenticeships/south_wales or more information and to submit an online application. For information on becoming a functional trainee, visit www.corusgroupcareers.com
COMMUNITY
Community Assist
projects approved or completed involving the supply of materials and services for a bench for the Friends of Tonna Hospitals Sensory Garden, a series of metal frames for use in the Survival Zone Margam Park Education & Sustainability Centre, and a replacement six-metre wooden cross for St Davids Church, Margam.
Event sponsorships
39th Round the Pier Swim, Aberavon Beach, Aberavon & New Sandfields Carnival, BUPA Great Wales Run, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff UK X Challenge Cross Country Event, Blackweir Park Cardiff, Christmas Lights & Santa Parades (Port Talbot, Neath and Pontadawe), CISS Walkathon, Briton Ferry to Brecon, Corus Aquathlon, Aberavon Beach, Corus Family Cycle Day, Margam Park, Corus Richard Burton 10km & 5km Road Race, CwmafanCrucial Crew G Division Port Talbot Police Primary School 7-aside Rugby Tournament, Neath Round Table Festival Weekend, Neath Port Talbot 2007 Sporting Awards, Surf Life Saving Championships, Aberavon Beach, Try-A-Triathlon 8 to 80 Event, Aberavon Promenade Upper Afan River Family Day, Glyncorrwg Welsh Castles Run Relay, Caernarvon Castle to Cardiff Castle.
COMMUNITY
Walking tips
Even walking at a moderate pace of three miles per hour is sufficient aim to walk fast without over-exertion (you should just about be able to hold a conversation) Experts recommend accumulating a total of 30 minutes of brisk walking on most, preferably all days of the week But even 10-minute walks can increase fitness, provided they are brisk
And the beauty of taking up walking in Port Talbot is the beauty of Port Talbot! The area is prime walking territory, offering a choice of coastal, hill or valley routes all within a very short distance of the town centre.
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COMMUNITY
Childrens Competition
Spot the hazards
Win this Corus goody bag comprising a teeshirt, sports cap, drinking bottle, electronic suduko game, SIM card memory reader, mousemat, tin of colouring pencils, notepad wallet, and a frisbee. We have five goody bags to give away. All you have to do is circle as many safety hazards and unsafe situations in the picture as you can. (Heres a clue: there are more than 10.)
Illustration courtesy of ROSPA.
The closing date for entries is Friday 30 May 2008. The judges decision is final. Winners will be notified within five working days of the draw and listed in the next edition of SA13. Cut out and send your entry to: The Editor, Corus Strip Products UK, Business Headquarters, PO Box 42, Port Talbot, SA13 2NG.
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How to contact us
Correspondence to the Editor
The Editor will be pleased to receive your thoughts and opinions on any article you have read in this issue of SA13 Corus community newspaper. We would like to hear your views and opinions, whether on environmental issues, community activities, etc. Address: The Editor, Corus Strip Products UK, Business Headquarters, PO Box 42, Port Talbot, SA13 2NG. Fax: 01639 603 179 Email: cspuk.community@corusgroup.com
Community Award applications (for Neath Port Talbot and Pontardulais areas)
Applications for community awards, community sponsorships/partnerships and community assist projects for consideration must be submitted in writing to the following address: Community Liaison Manager, Corus Strip Products UK, Business Headquarters, PO Box 42, Port Talbot, SA13 2NG. Email: cspuk.community@corusgroup.com
Environmental complaints
01639 871111 (24 hours) For calls concerning environmental issues such as noise and air quality (during normal office hours the telephone exchange will re-direct your call. Calls received out of office hours will be directed by the Security Department). For written enquiries please address to: Manager Environment, Corus Strip Products UK, Business Headquarters, PO Box 42, Port Talbot, SA13 2NG or fax: 01639 872 159.
FSC labelled products are made with consideration for people, wildlife and the environment. The FSC label guarantees that the trees that are harvested are replaced or allowed to regenerate naturally.
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