Boccard opens major nuclear manufacturing facility in the UK, creating 200 jobs to power the new nuclear era
- Development comes alongside the British government’s announcement of a record £17bn investment in new nuclear in its spending review.
- Creates one of the UK’s largest supply chain hubs for the nuclear industry in North Wales, providing vital infrastructure components for Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, as well as the fast-emerging small modular reactor development programme in the country.
- The new major 10,000 sqm digital nuclear manufacturing site is opened by Stuart Crooks, Chief Executive Officer of Hinkley Point C, in the presence of Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government.
- Supports the global nuclear energy renaissance with high-integrity manufactured components: pipework, supports, tanks and modular systems.
Boccard, an international engineering, manufacturing, construction and maintenance company headquartered in Lyon, France, has unveiled its new major nuclear production facility in the UK in Deeside, North Wales. The new 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. 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. 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.
A large investment in North Wales, developing local skills and the nuclear talent pool while contributing decisively to the UK’s decarbonisation and Net Zero targets
The new facility will create over 200 permanent positions. It will provide a major boost to the Deeside region, which takes in Cheshire and Flintshire on the Wales-England border by developing local skills and the region’s talent pool.
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.
A major long-term investment to support UK’s growing energy demand, Net Zero targets and the reinforcement of energy sovereignty.
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.’
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.’
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said: ‘The opening of Boccard’s new nuclear components manufacturing facility in Deeside clearly signals that Wales is strategically well placed to play a central role in the future nuclear supply chain — essential for energy security across the British Isles. With a rapidly growing skilled workforce and the presence of major suppliers like Boccard, the region is set to attract further investment into this expanding sector and unlock significant growth for the Welsh economy. Since the start of this Senedd term, we’ve directly invested £600 million in Welsh businesses, creating and safeguarding 40,000 jobs. Today’s opening of Boccard’s new manufacturing facility forms part of this success story.’
