BlueScope Steel has secured a $55.4 million federal government grant to upgrade its steelmaking capabilities, including the capacity to build components for wind turbines — a first for New South Wales.

The grant will contribute to setting up a $217 million advanced steel manufacturing precinct at the Port Kembla Steelworks.

The precinct is forecast to employ hundreds of people in steel manufacturing once operational, as well as more than 1,000 indirect jobs.

“[It is] a fantastic opportunity for the region to benefit from further investment in the steelworks but also investment in capability that currently doesn’t exist in New South Wales,” BlueScope Steel chief executive Mark Vassella said.

“Wind towers are typically imported into NSW, they are made in other parts of Australia, but they are not made in NSW.”

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