ALYN and Deeside politicians have unveiled a touching tribute to a much-loved colleague at a steel business.

Steel 4 Structures was the first in Europe to take ownership of a Voortman Robotic Fabricator, which it installed in April complete with a plaque dedicated to their treasured late colleague Joe Kavanagh. The state-of-the-art machine has been named 'The Big Joe' in his memory, and Jack Sargeant and Mark Tami, MS and MP for Alyn and Deeside, were proud to cut the ribbon on the plaque during their visit to the Buckley business.

Read more: Seminar shares advice to North Wales businesses navigating net zero

Steel 4 Structures was founded in 2010 by managing director Tom Phillips and has grown steadily and now occupies 50,000 sq ft on the Spencer Industrial Estate.

The company offer a turnkey service which includes design, fabrication, and installation of all types of structural steel.

Recent big projects include 18 Lidl Supermarket stores, Chester Zoo's Heart of Africa Welcome Centre, Croes Atti care facility in Flint, the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre at Wrexham University and the Queens Park FC, Lesser Hampden Stadium.

Read more: Traditional pub in Mold welcomes 'passionate' manager with extensive experience

Steel 4 Structures takes a fresh approach to giving back to the community. It gives placements to three Coleg Cambria apprentices a year and job opportunities to prisoners from HMP Berwyn upon release. In addition to supporting its charity partners Nightingale House and Welsh Air Ambulance, Steel 4 Structures also proudly sponsors local kart racer Charlie Pritchard and Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons ice hockey team.

Mr Sargeant MS and Mr Tami MP said: "It was a real privilege to see first-hand the state-of-the-art machinery installed at Steel 4 Structures and to join the team in paying tribute to Joe Kavanagh.

Read more: Rising stars are future of growing Wrexham bakery

"Manufacturing businesses are the heart of our local economy, and it is vital that they continue to grow and develop. Congratulations to everyone at Steel 4 Structures - we will continue to follow your journey with real interest."

Shaun Bebbington, business development manager for Steel 4 Structures, added: "We would like to thank Jack and Mark for visiting us today and giving Steel 4 Structures the chance to showcase our investment in innovation and technology. With investment we can offer career opportunities to people of our local area."