Hundreds of high-skilled jobs are set to be created in Sheffield following a major investment by Taiwanese advanced manufacturing company Walsin Lihwa (WL), marking a significant boost for the UK’s steel industry and its advanced manufacturing sector.
The announcement, welcomed by the Department for Business and Trade, will see more than 200 well-paid jobs created by 2028 through the first phase of WL’s plans to expand its UK footprint. This development marks the beginning of a wider strategy to build a long-term presence in South Yorkshire, with further investment and job creation expected in the years ahead.
The funding will be used to upgrade the company’s Special Melted Products (SMP) facility in Sheffield, transforming it into a cutting-edge site for producing speciality steel and nickel alloy components. These materials will be used in aerospace jet engines and energy infrastructure, delivering critical supply chain capability for sectors that are vital to the UK’s industrial future.
This move supports the Government’s economic mission outlined in the Plan for Change, aiming to raise living standards and drive long-term growth. It is also closely aligned with the new Industrial Strategy, which identifies advanced manufacturing, clean energy and defence as priority sectors. Walsin Lihwa’s investment is not only a commitment to the UK but also a strategic step forward in building national resilience in critical supply chains.
Once operational, the new facility will introduce melting and superalloy forging capabilities not currently available in the UK. These technologies are crucial for reducing the reliance of British manufacturers on overseas suppliers, particularly in high-performance sectors like aerospace, nuclear and defence. Rolls-Royce and similar companies will benefit directly from this added domestic capacity.
Minister for Investment, Baroness Gustafsson CBE, visited the site to mark the announcement. She described the investment as a strong endorsement of the UK’s industrial strengths and future potential.
“This investment is a major vote of confidence in Sheffield’s world-class manufacturing sector. Our strategy is about creating high-paid jobs in communities across the country. Walsin Lihwa’s plans are a perfect example of that mission in action. We look forward to seeing this investment deliver real benefits locally and nationally,” she said.
The average salary of the new roles is expected to exceed £40,000 per year. Positions will span engineering, metallurgy, welding, machining, data analytics, material science and manufacturing operations. The company has also committed to offering apprenticeships, helping to develop a new generation of skilled workers and contributing to the region’s long-term prosperity.
WL has also set out plans for a research and development centre to follow the forging facility, which would further strengthen its capabilities in materials science and digital innovation. This next phase would deepen the company’s contribution to the UK’s growing aerospace and defence technology cluster, and drive high-value collaboration with the European market.
Speaking at the event, Walsin Lihwa Chairman Yu-Lon Chiao said,
“The United Kingdom has an exceptional aerospace, energy and nuclear market. This investment is a milestone for SMP and reflects our commitment to global expansion. We look forward to establishing our R&D centre here, driving innovation and strengthening ties with Europe for sustainable growth.”
The news has been met with praise from industry and regional leaders.
Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel, said,
“This is a big win for British steelmaking. It shows faith in UK manufacturing and will have a real impact on the ground through investment, skilled careers and supply chain resilience. It is exactly the kind of commitment we need to see more of.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, also welcomed the announcement.
“This investment shows that South Yorkshire is being recognised for its talent, innovation and growing manufacturing ecosystem. My office has worked hard to help unlock this opportunity, and it will play a key role in building the economy of the future,” he said.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, added,
“This is a landmark moment for Sheffield. It highlights our strengths in advanced manufacturing and brings in high-quality jobs and skills that will benefit our community for years to come. We look forward to building a long-term partnership with Walsin Lihwa and SMP.”
The announcement comes on the back of positive data from Deloitte and Make UK showing renewed confidence in the UK as a destination for industrial investment. Manufacturing output has returned to pre-pandemic levels across all regions, and the UK has been named one of the top locations globally for new investment.
As the Government prepares to publish its Steel Strategy later this year, the Walsin Lihwa investment provides a clear example of what success can look like — targeted support, private sector confidence and a clear path to high-quality job creation. Sheffield, already known for its industrial excellence, is now at the centre of a new chapter for UK manufacturing.
