- Nuclear energy company to create nearly 200 jobs and invest more than $120 million
- Job creation will bring BWXT workforce to more than 1,000 in Unicoi County
ERWIN, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and BWXT officials announced today the company will expand its operations in Unicoi County.
BWXT will create 198 jobs and invest $122 million in Erwin, Tennessee, at its Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. facility, as it grows its capabilities in support of national defense needs. Nuclear Fuel Services has operated in Erwin since the 1950s and manufactures nuclear fuel material for naval reactors used in U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers.
Today’s announcement marks the state’s ninth project that will utilize grant dollars from the Nuclear Energy Fund, which assists nuclear power-related businesses choosing to relocate or grow in the Volunteer State and supports the state’s universities and research institutions in further developing their nuclear education programs. BWXT was awarded dollars from the Nuclear Energy Fund earlier this year for its expansion to Oak Ridge.
The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $10 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during both the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, bringing the fund’s total to $70 million since its inception.
QUOTES
“Tennessee is well-positioned to lead America’s nuclear renaissance, and I’m proud to announce BWXT’s expansion in East Tennessee. This project, supported by dollars from the Nuclear Energy Fund, will further strengthen our state’s nuclear ecosystem and create greater opportunity and prosperity for our highly skilled workforce.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“This project marks another significant investment in Tennessee’s growing nuclear ecosystem. In September alone, we’ve seen announced over 1,000 new jobs and nearly $2 billion in commitments from nuclear companies. Additionally, as Unicoi County continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, today’s news brings renewed hope and opportunity for the local economy and workforce. I sincerely thank BWXT for its continued investment in Tennessee and its confidence in our talented workforce.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“BWXT is proud to announce a $122 million investment in Erwin, Tennessee. This project will create 198 good-paying jobs and strengthen our longstanding commitment to this community, which Nuclear Fuel Services has proudly called home since the 1950s. We are excited to enter into this partnership with the State of Tennessee and to bring even more opportunities to local families while contributing to the region’s economic vitality and our nation’s energy security.” – Ron Daily, president, BWXT Nuclear Fuel Services
“TVA and Erwin Utilities congratulate BWXT on its decision to expand operations in Unicoi County. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s continued commitment to growth in the region. We are proud to partner with Unicoi County Economic Development Board and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies like BWXT, and we celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, senior vice president of economic development, TVA
“This $122 million investment and the creation of 198 high-quality jobs is a major win for Erwin and all of Unicoi County. BWXT’s continued commitment to our region strengthens our economy, supports our workforce and reinforces Tennessee’s leadership in nuclear innovation.” – Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown)
“I’m excited to see BWXT grow its operations at the Nuclear Fuel Services plant in Erwin. This major investment will create 198 new jobs, strengthen our local economy and support families across the region. BWXT has been a wonderful business partner, and I look forward to their continued success.” – Rep. Renea Jones (R-Unicoi)
About BWXT
At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With nearly 10,000 employees, BWXT and its industry partners support the U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration across more than a dozen major contracts in North America. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media Contacts
BWXT
John Dobken
Senior Manager, Media & Public Relations
(202) 428-6913
jcdobken@bwxt.com
TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov
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