British Steel has opened a new long length rail logistics centre in northern Italy.

The new facility will be used by British Steel to supply rail products to Italy’s state-owned infrastructure manager, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI).

Peter Smith, British Steel’s managing director for rail, said the company’s expansion in Europe would allow it to better serve its customers around the world.

Outside of the UK, British Steel already employs around 400 people at its rail mill in Hayange, France.

Peter Smith added: “The railway infrastructure market is showing consistent long-term growth and we are always looking for opportunities to expand our customer base.

“Lecco sits perfectly within this strategy and I would like to thank the many people and organisations that have helped make today possible including RFI, SNCF, Brambilla Scalo, Eurologistics and Mercitalia.

“Innovation and customer service are central to our growth strategy and we look forward to building our reputation throughout Italy and working with our strategic business partners to further improve the country’s rail networks.”