Chatham Docks steel firm puts 85 jobs at risk

A steel manufacturer based at Chatham Docks has confirmed it is consulting on redundancies for 85 employees.

ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, the largest steel manufacturer in Europe, began the process last week ahead of pulling out of the site on Pier Road.

The company was among the opponents to now-approved plans to redevelop the docks, claiming they would be forced out of the location should they proceed.

A spokesperson from ArcelorMittal Kent Wire said: "We have informed all employees of the decision to enter a consultation process, with all jobs at the site at risk due to the severity and scale of the challenges facing the business."

The firm has faced difficulties, such as low demand, competition from China, and US tariffs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Peel Waters, which owns the site, had an application to build a business hub approved by Medway Council in May 2024.

An unsuccessful request to call-in that decision, made by then-MP for Rochester and Strood Kelly Tolhurst, meant the Basin 3 proposal was not officially approved until November 2024.

The application remains subject to a judicial review, which was heard at the High Court on October 29 and 30. A ruling has not yet been made.

ArcelorMittal Kent Wire was one of the businesses opposed to the plan, as was the Save Chatham Docks campaign group.

Peel Waters also wants to build a 950-home development on the site, which would include a supermarket and a pub.

Ms Tolhurst, who campaigned to save the jobs, said she was "absolutely devastated for the people at the docks".

"For some people, it will be life-changing. It's not a booming jobs market at the moment, so for those people it's going to be a really frightening time right on top of Christmas," she said.

A spokesperson for Peel Waters said: "For over 10 years, we have tried to work with ArcelorMittal Kent Wire and other tenants to explore relocation solutions, including suggesting suitable local port locations that could meet their operational needs...

"Subject to the outcome of the ongoing judicial review, we remain committed to delivering Basin 3."

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