A WORKS manager at Llanwern has won an award for achievement in the steel industry from UK Steel/Steel Business Briefing.

Hot-rolled products manager Jon Ferriman was presented with the award at the plant's annual St David's Day dinner at Newport's Hilton Hotel.

About 180 of the plant's 1,700 workers were present for the dinner.

Presenting Mr Ferriman's award, Patrick Flockhart, of the online news service Steel Business Briefing said: "Since Llanwern stopped making liquid steel in June 2001, it has re-invented itself as New Llanwern.

"Jon and his team have been instrumental in the success of the venture. The financial benefits they are producing for Corus have been made possible by close co-operation between management and unions."

Mr Ferriman said: "I'm delighted to receive this award on behalf of all Corus employees at Llanwern.

"It is a much-deserved recognition of our recent achievements in making New Llanwern a more competitive and flexible operation."

Kevin Bajjada, chairman of the Llanwern trade union committee, said: "This award is proof of the commitment and positive attitude of everyone at Llanwern who is working to ensure that the plant has a long and successful future."

Since liquid iron and steel-making ended at Llanwern, the plant has focused on manufacturing hot-rolled, cold-rolled and hot-dip galvanised steel coils using steel slab from Teesside.

From this summer, the steel slab will be supplied by Port Talbot after a £79m investment in additional capacity.

Mr Ferriman said: "Everyone at New Llanwern is focused on producing high-quality steel coil at the lowest possible cost.

"The investment in Port Talbot will go some way to improving our competitiveness but the rest is down to us.

"This award recognises our achievements to date. More importantly, it motivates us to succeed in the future."