Local MP Visits Penistone’s World\-leading Wire Manufacturer Stanley Wire

Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, visited Stanley Wire in Penistone, who manufactures steel wire and secondary products, including innovative new products. In one year, Stanley Wire’s Penistone site produces 5,000 tonnes of wire, which is enough to wrap around the Earth more than two times.

The family-run firm was founded in 1959 and its steel wire product is made from British-made steel and sold across Britain and internationally. It is used for galvanising, in construction and the automotive industries, and by steelworks, amongst other uses. It is also the UK’s only producer of copper coated wire.

The company also produces some secondary materials. These include a new product which has recently secured patents in the UK, US, Australia, and is now awaiting final approval by the regulator. This Penistone innovation – called Contilink – could be revolutionary in the industry.

Marie sat down with Director Chris Ward, son of founder Peter Ward, and Operations Manager, Henry Bower, to discuss the impact of tariffs on EU steel on the industry. Marie will be raising the impacts of these tariffs on this important local employer – by writing to the Government as the firm’s local MP.

Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said:

“Stanley Wire is an incredibly impressive firm based right here in Penistone leading in the manufacture of steel wire and performing world-leading innovation on some of the secondary products they make. They’re a proud local company, founded in 1959.

“They are one of only three steel wire mills remaining in Britain, and the only one manufacturing coppered steel wire. All the steel they buy in is very high-quality British-made steel.

“I was really proud to hear about some of the innovative secondary products they manufacture on site. This includes a brand-new product called Contilink currently awaiting final regulatory approval, having achieved patents all over the world.

“I grew up with Operations Manager Henry Bower – he used to play football in my back garden, with my brother, in Penistone. So I was really proud to see such amazing an home-grown talent bringing manufacturing innovation to our Town..

“I am also working with them to look identify some national funding options to help invest in the business’s infrastructure and help increase its output capacity.

“At the heart of the Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s vision for a reindustrialised Britain, is this kind of firm. Impressive, high-quality work, providing good jobs for local people.”