BWXT opens Centrifuge Manufacturing Facility in Oak Ridge

BWX Technologies, Inc. announced Monday the opening of its Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility in Oak Ridge. The facility marks a major milestone in the company's efforts to reestablish a fully domestic uranium enrichment capability in support of U.S. national security priorities, according to a press release from BWXT. In September, the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) awarded BWXT a contract valued at $1.5 billion for a comprehensive program that supports the NNSA's strategy to ensure a secure and reliable supply of enriched uranium for defense fuel needs. The Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility (CMDF) is a key element of that program, according to the release. "I am so impressed with the speed at which the BWXT team moved, from breaking ground in late June to standing up this facility just seven months later," said Rex D. Geveden, BWXT President and CEO, in the release. "With the CMDF now operational, we are positioned to move centrifuge technology from development into production readiness while strengthening America's sovereign nuclear supply chain." NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams said the facility signifies the speed, focus and capability national security demands. "By restoring a fully domestic uranium enrichment capability for defense needs, we are ensuring the United States can meet its defense fuel requirements now and into the future, strengthening our nuclear deterrent and maintaining assured second-strike capability," Williams said. Energy and Water Appropriations Chairman Rep. Chuck Fleischmann said this move ensures national defense needs are met. "Oak Ridge and East Tennessee continue to be at the tip of the spear to create America's New Nuclear Future that will secure our energy independence and strengthen our national security," he said. "After years of deliberate decline, we are revitalizing our domestic nuclear industry and making America into the global leader in new nuclear. "I am proud to join BWXT to celebrate the opening of their first Oak Ridge facility that keeps Tennessee as the preeminent leader in new nuclear and ensures America is not reliant on foreign sources of enriched uranium that is essential for our national defense and energy needs." Deputy Governor and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter said BWXT's decision to locate in Oak Ridge underscores why Tennessee is a national leader in advanced manufacturing and nuclear innovation. "With more than 1,100 Tennesseans employed through BWXT's operations in Oak Ridge and through its subsidiary, Nuclear Fuel Services, the company is creating high-quality jobs while strengthening our state's role in national security," he said. "We are proud to celebrate the grand opening of BWXT's first Oak Ridge facility and excited to see how the company's continued investment in our state accelerates Tennessee's momentum as the U.S. epicenter for nuclear energy." The CMDF serves as BWXT's primary hub for the design, engineering, fabrication and testing of advanced gas centrifuge machines, according to the release. The facility features precision manufacturing space, in-house quality assurance and testing capabilities and specialized infrastructure to support future centrifuge production. It will accelerate the transition of centrifuge technology from development to production readiness and aligns with national priorities for energy security, defense readiness and advanced manufacturing, according to the release Located in Oak Ridge, the facility builds on BWXT's longstanding role in supporting U.S. defense, energy and space programs, according to the release. Approximately 100 highly skilled professionals are currently working in support of the CMDF and project activities, with plans to expand the workforce as manufacturing activities scale, according to the release.