BWXT Announces New Facility in Oak Ridge, Bolstering Domestic Uranium Enrichment

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced a grant for BWXT Enrichment Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, Inc., to support establishing a facility for the manufacturing of centrifuge assemblies in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, near Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of the project, BWXT plans to create at least 60 new jobs and invest at least $45 million in a new facility. Additionally, the company announced the purchase of 96.53 acres in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where this facility will be located. That site is part of BWXT’s long-term plans to support fuel production for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) defense program mission.

BWXT employs more than 1,140 people in Tennessee, principally at two locations: Nuclear Fuel Services in Erwin and its recently acquired Jonesborough facility.

Today’s announcement also represents the third grant awarded from the state’s Nuclear Energy Fund, which assists nuclear power-related businesses choosing to relocate or grow in the Volunteer State and supports the state’s educational and research institutions in further developing their nuclear education programs.

The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. Another $10 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during the 2024 legislative session with an additional $10 million recommended in the 2025 budget currently in review.

Source: TN ECD

The East Tennessee Economic Development Agency markets and recruits business for the 15 counties in the greater Knoxville-Oak Ridge region of East Tennessee. Visit www.eteda.org

Published April 15, 2025