Framatome Launches $50 Million Expansion at Lynchburg Facility

Framatome Launches $50 Million Expansion at Lynchburg Facility
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Apr 26, 2024

April 25, 2024 - Framatome inaugurated a $50 million expansion project at its Mill Ridge Road location in Lynchburg, Va, in the presence of local officials. This facility is one of three in Lynchburg, where the Operational Center of Excellence provides specialized training and tooling for servicing North America's nuclear power plants and developing new reactor technologies.

"Today's groundbreaking embodies the heart of Framatome's vision of high-performing people and technologies for safe and competitive nuclear power plants in the US and worldwide," said Catherine Cornand, senior executive vice president of Framatome's lnstalled Base Business Unit. "Continuous development of our facilities and our teams' skills represent our commitment to customers and the nuclear industry as we stand ready to meet the world's growing clean energy demand."

In addition to the expansion at Mill Ridge Road, Framatome is modernizing its Old Forest Road and Mount Athos Road facilities. These updates are part of a longstanding partnership with local and state authorities, essential for sustaining the current nuclear fleet and advancing nuclear energy technologies.

"The journey to a sustainable energy future is a collective endeavor that requires passion and commitment from our employees, as well as unwavering support from communities and government officiais," said Craig Ranson, executive vice president of the lnstalled Base Business Unit at Framatome in North America. "Today is a significant milestone in our growth fueled by government investment and inspired by the need for carbon-free energy solutions."

"Framatome is one of our oldest and most impactful corporate citizens - and this investment in the City of Lynchburg cements our position as a leading nuclear technology hub in the United States," said Wynter Benda, Lynchburg City Manager. "The City is proud to champion this expansion to bring opportunities for ail of our residents and to attract and cultivate talent from across the region and the nation."

The expansion project will not only increase the facility's size to accommodate over 500 new employees but also refurbish the nuclear training center to support emerging reactor technologies, modernize office spaces, and expand an innovation and design school.