Walsin Lihwa Corporation (“Walsin”) held a launch ceremony on July 17 at its UK subsidiary, Special Melted Products (“SMP”), marking the start of its previously announced facility expansion project. Attended by senior UK government officials, the event highlights Walsin’s commitment to scaling premium nickel superalloy production and strengthening its position in mission-critical aerospace and energy applications.
The project will double SMP’s melting and remelting capacity with new VIM, VAR, ESR systems, and introduce a forging press line, positioning SMP among the few fully integrated nickel superalloys producers globally. Once completed, the upgraded facilities will focus on supplying specialty steel and nickel parts for aerospace engines and next-generation energy systems, reinforcing SMP’s role as a critical supplier in advanced manufacturing.
“This investment marks a significant milestone in SMP’s development and underscores Walsin’s firm determination for global expansion strategy,” said Chairman of Walsin Lihwa, Yu-Lon Chiao. “Looking ahead, we plan to establish an R&D center in the UK to further strengthen our capabilities in materials and digital technology innovation, bolstering our competitive edge in premium markets.”
The initiative has received recognition and policy support from the UK government, reflecting confidence in SMP’s technical capabilities and long-term potential. Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE remarked during the visit: “This investment is a major vote of confidence in Sheffield’s world-class manufacturing sector and couldn’t match our ambitions better [in aiding the UK’s aspirations in aerospace, steel, and nuclear as set out in the modern Industrial Strategy].”
President of UK Steel, Gareth Stace, added: “The substantial investment that SMP is making in expanding its capability and capacity is tremendous news for local people, and UK plc. This is sign of trust in British steelmaking and manufacturing, pushing forward valuable investment plans and establishing skilled careers. SMP plans mean we are onshoring supply chains for industry giants like Rolls Royce, meaning investment goes directly back into UK jobs and the economy.”
As the global steel industry undergoes structural change, Walsin continues to reposition its stainless steel and specialty alloy businesses through advance manufacturing, global expansion, and sustained innovative R&D, propelling the Company’s next phase of growth.
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| From left to right: Yu-Lon Chiao, Chairman, Walsin Lihwa Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, UK Minister for Investment |
From left to right: Dr Gareth Morgan, Managing Director, AML Andy Richardson, CEO, Special Melted Products Tom Hunt, Leader, Sheffield City Council Yu-Lon Chiao, Chairman, Walsin Lihwa Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, UK Minister for Investment Sherry Ho, President of Corporate Strategy & SCM ORG. Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor Massimiliano Burelli, CEO, Cogne Acciai Speciali |