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Springfield owner gets reactor boost
THE owner of the Fylde's nuclear facility has moved a step closer in its ambitions to build a new reactor.
Westinghouse, which owns the Springfields site at Salwick, will become a leading participant in a new manufacturing facility for components for the UK's new nuclear plans.
The Government has agreed to fund a new forging press in Sheffield which will make parts of the next generation of power stations. Components from this vast new facility will be used by Fylde workers to help build the Westinghouse AP1000 reactors.
The company is heading a list of firms bidding to build a reactor at an as-yet-unnamed site in the UK.
The AP1000 reactor is battling it out with its French counterpart Areva, with its EPR reactor, to become the facility of choice in 2011.
Bosses at Westinghouse say this new deal at Sheffield's Forgemasters is a "tangible indicator" of what the future holds for nuclear power in the UK.
Mike Tynan, chief executive of Westinghouse UK, said: "The announcement is yet another tangible indicator that new nuclear build is becoming a reality for the UK and around the world.
"Westinghouse has long operated a 'We buy where we build'
approach, and this news serves as further evidence of our confidence in the UK supply chain and commitment to build here.
"I hope it will send a strong signal to other UK companies who may be considering the wide range of opportunities offered by the nuclear industry."
The Government is expected to provide up to 80m in soft loans, with Westinghouse expected to provide about 40m in forward orders for the new press.
Business secretary Lord Mandelson said the deal would help realise the potential of nuclear power. He added: "This is not just help for one company.
"We are announcing a willingness to invest that will make the UK a leading provider in the nuclear and the low carbon supply chain.
"Our high value manufacturing, knowledge base and highly skilled workforce mean with the right investment, the UK can win a huge amount of business in this growth sector. This will help to realise the potential of our industrial base to be world leading, export-led, and creating jobs and value."
Michael Macdonald, from the Prospect union, said: "This deal, in which Westinghouse Electric is also investing, adds a new and vital link to the UK nuclear supply chain. It will help pave the way for three generations' worth of high-quality new jobs at each site."
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Weather for Blackpool
Thursday 17 May 2012
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