NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and BWXT officials announced today the signing of an agreement that supports expansion of BWXT’s facility in Washington County.
BWXT will create 181 new jobs, more than doubling their current local workforce, and invest $714.5 million in Jonesborough, Tennessee, to produce High Purity Depleted Uranium (HPDU) metal for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. The project is supported by an economic development grant from TNECD.
In September 2025, NNSA awarded BWXT a 10-year contract valued at $1.6 billion to build an HPDU manufacturing plant at its Jonesborough site. Once completed, BWXT’s Jonesborough facility will be the only active site capable of performing this critical process for the government.
Today’s announcement represents the third project for BWXT and the 12th project overall to utilize funding from the Nuclear Energy Fund, which has resulted in nearly 4,000 new jobs and more than $10 billion in capital investment. The first two BWXT projects were announced in 2025, as the company committed to creating 60 new jobs and investing $45 million in a new location in Oak Ridge while committing to create 198 new jobs and investing $122 million through an expansion of its current location in Erwin.
The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $45 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during the 2024, 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, bringing the fund’s total to $95 million since its inception.
QUOTES
“When we created Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund, our goal was to cultivate an ecosystem where this industry could thrive. Today’s announcement from BWXT represents another significant investment in Tennessee and creates greater opportunity across Northeast Tennessee, including nearly 200 high-quality jobs. I thank BWXT’s leadership for recognizing our efforts and continuing to make a significant impact in our state.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Securing our nation’s energy independence is one of our top priorities in Tennessee, and BWXT has been an outstanding partner in advancing that mission. This project marks another significant investment in our growing nuclear ecosystem, where companies have now pledged to create nearly 4,000 new jobs and invest more than $10 billion since the inception of our Nuclear Energy Fund. Congratulations to BWXT on another fantastic expansion, and we look forward to continuing to support their growth and investment in Tennessee for years to come.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We want to thank Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner McWhorter and the State of Tennessee for the wonderful support we have received. This grant will help create benefits for the community that will last decades.” – Jeff Messaros, general manager, BWXT Ordnance Tennessee
“TVA and BrightRidge are proud to congratulate BWXT on its decision to expand operations in Washington County. We’re honored to partner with Washington County Economic Development Council and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies like BWXT as they make continued impactful investment in our region. Together, we’re powering growth and helping to create job opportunities in the communities we serve.” – Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA
“For more than 50 years, Jonesborough has played a vital role in our nation’s security and defense. BWXT’s announcement of 181 new jobs is a testament to that incredible heritage and the hardworking men and women who call Washington County home. I’m grateful to the company’s leaders for continuing to invest in our community.” – Rep. Rebecca Alexander (R-Jonesborough)
About BWXT
At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company with more than 11,000 employees, 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, nuclear medicine, space exploration and environmental restoration. BWXT owns and operates 19 manufacturing facilities globally, and its 14 strategic partnerships support the U.S. and Canadian governments at more than two dozen additional locations.
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 X, 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