A Welsh engineering company is playing a vital role in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts after winning a £1.1 million contract to manufacture steel girders for a new bridge near Kyiv that was destroyed during the war with Russia.
Pontypool-based Pro Steel Engineering secured the contract from ONUR Group following a competitive tender process lasting 2.5 years, beating off competition from across the UK to deliver 200 tonnes of steel girders that will be installed in the new year.
The deal marks a significant milestone for the company, representing its first project supported by UK Export Finance and demonstrating the global competitiveness of Welsh manufacturing. The contract will create two new jobs at the company, which currently employs 35 people and has an annual turnover of £17 million.
Pro Steel had to meet demanding Ukrainian welding standards to secure the contract, showcasing the technical excellence and adaptability that has become the hallmark of the business since its foundation in 2012.
Pro Steel has been supported by the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), which provides targeted support for ambitious growing firms.
Richard Selby, MD of Pro Steel Engineering
Richard Selby, Managing Director of Pro Steel Engineering, said:
“Winning this contract is a source of immense pride for our entire team. To know that our work will contribute to rebuilding critical infrastructure in Ukraine and help communities reconnect is deeply meaningful to all of us.
“The tender process was lengthy and technically challenging, particularly given the exacting Ukrainian welding standards we had to meet, but it has demonstrated that Welsh engineering can compete and win on the global stage.
“The support we’ve received from the Accelerated Growth Programme, and particularly from Carmel, our relationship manager, has been invaluable throughout our growth journey. Having that expert guidance and network has helped us build the capabilities and confidence to pursue and win contracts of this scale and significance.”
Lucy Jones, Operations Manager of the Accelerated Growth Programme, said:
“We are incredibly proud to see Pro Steel win this important contract. Pro Steel’s success demonstrates the strength and innovation of Welsh manufacturing. Their ability to meet demanding international standards and secure this contract through UK Export Finance shows the calibre of businesses we have here in Wales. This is exactly the kind of growth and global impact that the Accelerated Growth Programme aims to support.”
The steel girders will be manufactured at Pro Steel’s facility in Pontypool before being transported to Ukraine for installation in the new year, helping to restore a vital transport link for local communities.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/people-enjoying-drinks-at-a-japanese-festival-right-a-shiba-inu-dog-in-a-robe.jpg?id=60327700&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Montreal is about to feel a lot more like Tokyo — at least for a couple of days in June.</p><p><span></span><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/yatai-mtl" target="_blank">YATAI MTL</a>, Quebec's largest Japanese street market, is returning from June 5 to 8 at Hangar 1825 along the Lachine Canal, and it's bringing all the flavours, fashion, and vibes you didn't know you needed.</p><p>This year's edition promises to be bigger than ever, with over 25 food stalls serving iconic Japanese street eats like karaage, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, and yakitori. You'll also find more than 40 vendors selling everything from matcha and mochi to handmade ceramics, art prints, kimonos, and bento boxes.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJElXjVvOry/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJElXjVvOry/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>But it's not just about the food. YATAI MTL is also packing the weekend with cultural events, performances, and parties — including a Ghibli-themed piano concert, a Shiba Inu fashion show and walk, and a nostalgic 80s-style City Pop dance night. The festival kicks off with GACHA POP Night on June 5, where DJs PinkPopo and Pocaille will turn Hangar 1825 into a kawaii dance floor inspired by anime, J-pop, and Japanese arcade culture.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJzXLfxM3HP/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJzXLfxM3HP/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Festival-goers can also sip sake cocktails at the onsite SAQ Bistro, check out tea ceremonies and Kendo demos, and even network with creatives at a special Québec–Japan industry mixer. And yes, dogs are welcome, especially if they're Shibas.</p><p>Admission is $4 in advance or $5 at the door, but it's free if you’re under 12, over 65, dressed in a yukata, or happen to be a Shiba owner. You can buy tickets <a href="https://www.asiasie.com/yataimtl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Whether you're a diehard Japanophile or just in it for the snacks, this festival is a one-of-a-kind summer experience that's worth clearing your calendar for.</p><h3>YATAI MTL</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9ciF5MUs4/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9ciF5MUs4/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: $5 at the door (free entry for children and seniors)</p><p>When: June 5 to 8</p><p>Address: 40 Rue des Seigneurs, Montreal, QC</p><p><a href="https://www.asiasie.com/yataimtl" target="_blank">Yatai MTL website</a></p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
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