Corus'S plans to use its Redcar plant for exports of steel slab could benefit the whole of the Tees Valley.

That is according to Martyn Pellew, group development director for PD Teesport.

He said that long-term plans to export up to four million tonnes of steel slab per year through the port would not only boost job prospects at the port, but among support companies in the Tees Valley.

But he warned that for the port to make the major investment required in its export facilities for Corus, it would be seeking assurances from the Anglo-Dutch firm about the future of the Redcar plant.

He said: "If Corus's plans for Redcar are successful, then the port would be among the beneficiaries.

"At the moment, we have the capacity to handle around two million tonnes of steel slab exports per year.

"For us to put in the investment to handle more, we would want assurances from Corus about the future of the Redcar plant.

"We would also need other customers who could utilise the facilities, which are already used to bring other raw materials, like coal, into the UK.

"The world market for steel slab is a competitive one. While Corus has plans to export upwards of 3.5 million tonnes of steel slab a year through Teesport, that would require more capital investment on our part.

"While Corus represents a very important customer for Teesport, it is not our only customer.

"While we will continue to help Corus at every opportunity, we will look to build up demand for our facilities amongst our other customers."

Teesport could also apply for regional selective assistance to help it cope with a predicted rise in export activity arising out of the Redcar plant's need to compete internationally.

Corus's board of directors have already said that the group no longer needs steel from Redcar for internal use, because it is sourced from its other UK plants.

And the Government has ruled out any help because of EU laws.

One NorthEast is looking at potential deals where plots of land could be sold or rented.