Framatome begins expansion of facilities in Virginia

An official groundbreaking last week at Framatome's Mill Ridge Road facility, in Lynchburg, Va., marks the start of a $50 million expansion and an eventual addition of 500 employees, according to the nuclear company.

Framatome said the project will expand its Operational Center of Excellence, which provides specialized training and tooling service to North America's current nuclear fleet and and will help to develop solutions for advanced and small modular reactors.

Quotable:"(This) groundbreaking embodies the heart of Framatome's vision of high-performing people and technologies for safe and competitive nuclear power plants in the U.S. and worldwide," said Catherine Cornand, senior executive vice president of the company'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."

At a glance:In addition to expanding the current footprint of the Mill Ridge Road facility, upgrades will be made at the company's Old Forest Road and Mount Athos Road facilities, which are also in Lynchburg. Overall, the project will refurbish Framatome's nuclear training center, modernize office space, and increase capacity for an innovation and design school.

"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 officials," said Craig Ranson, executive vice president of the lnstalled Base Business Unit.

"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 U.S.," said Wynter Benda, Lynchburg city manager. "The city is proud to champion this expansion to bring opportunities for all of our residents and to attract and cultivate talent from across the region and the nation."