Corus has successfully manufactured the first commercial steel sleeper section from its Scunthorpe facility in the UK. The rolling took place late last year and the finished steel sleepers have been delivered to the UK network operator. Speaking about this achievement Geoff Suitor, Commercial Director, UK said: “The successful production of steel sleeper sections from the Scunthorpe site is a major milestone in bringing UK rail production to Scunthorpe. The manufacturing process at the site has produced very high quality profiles for steel sleepers, which is excellent news in advance of the manufacture of rails at the same site. This investment programme demonstrates Corus’ long term commitment to the rail industry and will introduce world firsts in rolling and testing technology” This major development is part of a £130m investment programme, which will see enhanced manufacturing facilities for Corus including, the manufacture of rail up to 120 metres long in the UK. The programme is on track to begin rail production at the Scunthorpe site late 2006. Until then rail for the UK market will continue to be supplied from Corus’ Workington site. | 
