West Bromwich-based firm Liberty Performance Steels (LPS) has appointed former senior Tata Steel (now British Steel) executive Michael Horan as its new managing director.

Liberty Performance Steels produces high quality precision steel strip at its site in West Bromwich. Previously Caparo Precision Strip it was one of the businesses acquired by the Liberty Group in a deal saving more than 600 jobs, after Caparo Industries went into administration last year. The Liberty Group is an international commodities, trading and manufacturing business.

The business has over 200 years of expertise in the production of cold rolled, bimetallic, hardened and tempered, and specialist bandsaw steel strip in a wide range of specifications and sizes. Exporting to 55 countries the company supplies industries such as automotive, hand and machine tools, medical, construction, forestry, food and general manufacturing.

Mr Horan is the second former executive from Tata Steel to join the management team of UK rival steel-maker Liberty. Mr Horan has had an extensive career in the steel industry spanning twenty five years. He has held senior executive roles at Tata Steel within sales, distribution and strip processing in the UK and Europe. He now plans to push the Liberty group’s growth plans both in the UK and abroad.

In a statement issued by the company Mr Horan said: “It’s an exciting and inspiring time to be joining the Liberty team and to be leading the Liberty Performance Steels business.

“We have a tremendous product and a team who can really add value for our customers. In keeping with Liberty’s approach we will focus on quality, service and innovation. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Chief executive of the Liberty Group, Douglas Dawson, added: “I am delighted to welcome Michael to the Liberty family. He has an excellent, very relevant and diverse body of knowledge regarding our business and the UK and European steel markets.

“This will be an invaluable asset for Liberty Industries as we continue to progress with our impressive expansion plans both in the UK and further afield.”