Nuclear manufacturing factory opens in North Wales
The new strategic hub is seen as a vital move in developing a supply chain capable of meeting the UK Government's nuclear build programme. Boccard is involved with the manufacturing of high-integrity components such as pipework, supports, tanks and modular systems are pivotal to the nuclear sector and essential for the power generation and food ingredients industries.
The new facility will create over 200 permanent positions and provide a major boost to the Deeside region and further afield. It will support the development of nuclear sites like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C and potentially a new nuclear plant or Small Modular Reactors at Wylfa on Anglesey in the future.
Bruno Boccard, Chairman of Boccard, said: "Our new facility in North Wales is a milestone in our century-long history and part of our broader European expansion. Our ambition is to be a driving force in the UK's nuclear renaissance, while supporting the country's decarbonisation and energy sovereignty goals." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
He added: "The UK government's historic support marks a turning point for the nuclear sector, shifting focus to building a world-class supply chain and attracting top talent. As a leading manufacturer, we look forward to sharing best practices and collaborating to create a nuclear hub in North Wales and across the UK."
Hinkley Point C CEO Stuart Crooks said: 'Boccard's new investment in North Wales is a prime example of the way nuclear is creating new industrial capacity in Britain. It's made possible by a long-term commitment from industry and government, which is creating new and highly skilled jobs that change lives for the better. The new factory means that more work for Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will happen in the UK, putting skills in place to benefit both existing and future nuclear projects."
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'The opening of Boccard's new nuclear components manufacturing facility in Deeside clearly signals that Wales is strategically placed to play a central role in the future nuclear supply chain.
'With a rapidly growing skilled workforce and the presence of major suppliers like Boccard, North Wales is primed to attract further investment into this expanding sector and unlock significant growth for the Welsh economy.
'Since the start of this Senedd term, we have directly invested £600 million in Welsh businesses, creating and safeguarding 40,000 jobs. The hundreds of jobs created by the opening of Boccard's new manufacturing facility, which is backed by more than £1 million in Welsh Government funding, forms part of this success story.
'Wales is becoming an important location for inward investment. Last year saw 65 projects - a 23% increase on the previous financial year. This was the second highest increase of any nation or region of the UK.'
Uk Government Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 'The people of North Wales are set to feel the benefits of our plans to kickstart a golden age of new nuclear. This new manufacturing facility demonstrates the benefits that nuclear power can bring to every corner of the country – building up British supply chains and creating jobs and economic growth.
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