Salwick's Springfield Fuels - 'a cornerstone of Fylde’s economy' - marks record breaking 80 years
A Lancashire nuclear fuels plant is marking a record breaking 80th year in the industry.
The Westinghouse Springfields facility in Salwick has marked a significant milestone as the oldest continuous nuclear fuel manufacturing site in the world starting from its original license from March 28 1946.
Back in the 40’s, the site was chosen by UK Government to develop nuclear fuel for Calder Hall, the world’s first civil nuclear power station as well as subsequent Magnox and Advanced Gas Reactors (AGR) reactors.
Over the last eight decades, the Springfields site in Lancashire has then continuously supported the UK nuclear fleet.
Craig Boothby, Managing Director at Springfield Fuels Limited, said: “It is an honour to be the latest custodian of Springfields Fuels Limited on our 80th year.
“For eight decades, we have consistently provided the UK and customers across the globe with nuclear fuel to power their reactors.
“Nuclear power makes up about 15% of UK electricity.
“We believe the vital role of nuclear keeping the lights on and our climate clean must be expanded we stand ready to support this mission.”
The site has manufactured more than eight million Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) pins, sintered and pressed over 500 million AGR uranium pellets and 222,000 AGR grids - this is equivalent to the burning of over 685 tonnes of coal avoiding the emission of billions of tonnes of CO2.
Springfields also has a significant international customer base, currently supporting the Pressurized Water Reactor fuel (PWR) markets in Europe and Asia.
In total, the site has manufactured almost 2,000 PWR Fuel Assemblies, made up of half a million rods and nearly 200 million pellets.
Continuing its innovation legacy, in 2024 Springfields made the first ever Low Enriched Uranium Plus (LEU+) pellets for Westinghouse.
The factory is continuously seeking to diversify its product offering and is looking to provide VVER fuel for Eastern Europe Russian-designed reactors in the near future.
Andrew Snowden, Member of Parliament for addeed: “Springfields has been a cornerstone of Fylde’s economy for eight decades.
“Employing thousands of local people in well-paid, highly skilled jobs.
“As well as the site celebrating its 80th year, it has also continuously run its apprenticeship scheme for more than 75 years.
“More than 30% of current employees and around 50% of its senior leadership team are former apprentices – truly impressive commitment.”