New nuclear manufacturing hub in Deeside to create 200 jobs
The strategic hub is seen as a vital move in developing a supply chain capable of meeting the government's nuclear build programme, following its commitment to invest £17bn in the sector.
It is one of the UK's largest supply chain hubs for the nuclear industry, providing infrastructure components for UK nuclear power stations including Hinkley Point C in Somerset and Sizewell C in Suffolk.
The facility will manufacture components including pipework, supports, tanks and modular systems.
With experience from its participation in 44 of the 56 producing reactors in France, Boccard's new development further enhances the UK's reputation as a strategic location for the advancement of nuclear technologies.
Inside the new Boccard nuclear components manufacturing facility at Deeside. (Image: Boccard) The new facility will create over 200 permanent positions. It will also provide the UK and Europe with the means to strengthen energy resilience and secure supply. As the transition from fossil fuels to greener sources accelerates, the operation will support the need for access to adequate, reliable, and affordable clean energy.
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."
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."
On the production line at the new Boccard nuclear components manufacturing facility at Deeside (Image: Boccard) 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."
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She added: '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.'
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.
'The biggest nuclear building programme in a generation will also help protect family finances, take back control of our energy, and tackle the climate crisis.'
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