Steel for Speed: British Steel Supplies World-Class Rail for Turkey’s Fastest New Line

British Steel is supplying the steel backbone for one of Turkey’s most ambitious transport upgrades — a 599km high-speed electric railway connecting Ankara and İzmir that promises to transform travel in the region. The eight-figure contract with ERG International Group, covering 36,000 tonnes of rail, is a high-profile commission that demonstrates the world-class quality of steel produced at the Scunthorpe plant.
High-speed rail demands steel of the highest specification — precise in composition, consistent in quality, and capable of withstanding the stresses of trains travelling at speed over long distances. British Steel’s ability to win this contract against international competition is a testament to the technical expertise and manufacturing capability that has been built up at Scunthorpe over many decades.
The deal has had immediate and positive effects on the plant: 23 new jobs created, 24-hour production restarted for the first time in over ten years, and a significant new revenue stream secured with UK Export Finance backing. UK Steel has praised the contract and called for the government to complement it with structural policy support, including energy cost reductions and stronger import protections.
The Ankara–İzmir railway is more than an engineering project — it is part of Turkey’s commitment to greening its transport network. Electric high-speed rail produces significantly lower emissions than road or air travel, and the line is expected to carry millions of passengers once complete. British Steel’s rail will be at the heart of this cleaner, faster future.
Against this positive backdrop, British Steel’s ongoing financial difficulties remain a concern. Daily losses of £1.2 million have resulted in a total government bill of £359 million since the emergency takeover. The Turkish deal is evidence of what British Steel can do — but resolving the plant’s financial challenges will require more than world-class products alone.