HS2 defended its use of rebar from foreign manufacturers on the grounds that it lacked a suitable British supplier.

HS2 used French manufacturer Sendin to provide pre-assembled reinforced panels to form the continuous walls of the two ventilation shafts of the Chiltern tunnel.

The British Rebar Association (BAR), which represents British steel products manufacturers and manufacturers, expressed concern that the steel bars used do not meet British standards. The trade body emphasized the British hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel standards, steel bar cutting and bending, and steel bar welding standards.

HS2 claimed that Sendin was recertifying its products and added that it was forced to use foreign suppliers to prevent delays and increased costs.

A spokesperson for HS2 said: “The original supplier of this rebar was in the UK; however, the supplier was unable to maintain the agreed plan, which resulted in potential delays and increased project costs. Our contractor had access to all A suitable replacement for the UK supplier, but none of them can provide the necessary products in a timely manner."

Due to the difficulty of supply to keep up with demand, steel supply has been tight this year. This caused prices to soar, and certain types of steel products rose by 75% in a year.

BAR Chairman Stephen Elliot stated that HS2 should help the British steel industry: “HS2 is a major British project paid for by the British public. Therefore, it is disappointing that HS2 is not yet ready to fully support British Steel Industry. We had hoped that major projects in the UK could cooperate with the British steel industry instead of disrupting the British steel industry.”

The construction industry certification body UK CARES has been asked for comment.

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