HS2 has defended its use of steel reinforcement from a foreign fabricator, citing a lack of suitable UK suppliers.

HS2 used French fabricator Sendin for the supply of pre-assembled steel reinforcement panels used for the diaphragm walls forming two ventilation shafts of the Chiltern tunnels.

The British Association of Reinforcement (BAR), which represents UK manufacturers and fabricators of steel reinforcement products, raised concerns that the steel rebar used did not meet UK standards. The trade body highlighted British Standards for hot and cold rolled steel, the cutting and bending of rebar, along with standards for welding of reinforcement.

HS2 claimed Sendin was in the process of getting its products re-certified, and added it had been forced to use a foreign supplier to prevent delays and cost increases.

An HS2 spokesperson said: “The original supplier of this steel reinforcement was UK-based; however, this supplier was unable to maintain the agreed programme, forcing potential delays and therefore higher costs on the project. Our contractor approached all suitable alternative UK suppliers, but none could provide the necessary product in time.”

Steel supplies have been under strain this year as supply has struggled to keep pace with demand. This has led to prices soaring, with some types of steel products up 75 per cent in a year.

BAR chairman Stephen Elliot said HS2 should be helping the UK steel industry: “HS2 is a major UK project being paid for by the UK public. It is, therefore, disappointing that HS2 is not ready to fully support the UK steel industry. We had hoped that UK major projects will work with, and not undermine, the UK steel industry.”

UK CARES, the certifying body for the construction industry, have been approached for comment.