A BUSINESS hub backed by a steel operator can become an industry base of choice for importers and exporters after securing a number of contracts, its boss has predicted.

Redcar Bulk Terminal (RBT) has revealed long-term deals with Javelin Global Commodities and Hanson.

Garry O’Malley, general manager, said the agreements are proof of RBT’s potential, with the site having also previously attracted the attention of British Steel.

The Javelin arrangement will see RBT, based on the banks of the River Tees, handle hundreds of thousands of tonnes of imported coal for use in the power generating sector.

They added its multi-year contract with construction materials supplier Hanson will see it look after granulated blast furnace slag, a steelmaking by-product used as a cement replacement in readymixed concrete.

The deals come after British Steel, which runs the Teesside Beam Mill, based close to RBT, and separate processing plants in Darlington and Skinningrove, east Cleveland, took a 50 per cent stake in the business earlier this year.

Mr O’Malley said it was now ready to create a new future, having previously being used as an import base for Redcar steelmaker SSI UK prior to its 2015 collapse.

He said: “The transformation of this business is remarkable, underlined by our fine start to the year and the number of new contracts we’ve secured.

“Through the dedication of our employees, and the strong customer partnerships we’ve developed, the business is growing significantly and starting to realise some of its undoubted potential.

“It’s exciting to know this is just the start for RBT and there’s great scope to increase our customer–base, shipments and capabilities.”

Mr O’Malley also said the terminal, which employs nearly 80 people and has a 320-metre long quay, was ready to strengthen its industry presence and become an import and export port of call for a raft of companies.

He added: “We’re delighted to be working with businesses like Javelin and Hanson as together we feel we can have a positive impact, not only on the Teesside economy but the wider economy of the North of England.

“Strong partnerships like those we enjoy with Javelin and Hanson give me every confidence we’ll continue to attract more new customers and become the bulk terminal of choice for importers and exporters alike.”

Peter Bernscher, British Steel chief executive, said: “We’ve been greatly impressed by the team at RBT and the results they’re now delivering.

“I’d like to thank them for their efforts thus far and I’ve great confidence in their ability to continue growing the business.”

David Weeks, Hanson’s communications director, added: “Following the closure of the SSI works, we now rely solely on imported slag to feed our Teesport grinding plant.

“The relationship with RBT will be critical to our business in the future.”