A significant step toward the UK’s energy transition has arrived in Deeside, North Wales, with the opening of Boccard’s major nuclear manufacturing facility. The 10,000-square-meter site is expected to play a vital role in the British government’s record £17 billion investment in new nuclear, unveiled in its latest spending review.
Unveiled on 16 July 2025 by Stuart Crooks, CEO of Hinkley Point C, in the presence of Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans MS, the facility will produce high-integrity components such as pipework, supports, tanks, and modular systems essential for nuclear infrastructure. It also supports the UK’s push for decarbonisation, energy resilience, and job creation.
Nuclear at the Center of Net Zero Strategy
As the UK and European Union intensify efforts to meet Net Zero targets, nuclear energy is gaining renewed prominence. Recent analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) underscores nuclear’s role as a low-carbon, reliable baseload power source critical for displacing fossil fuels. The new Boccard facility aligns with this trend, providing manufacturing capacity that will serve Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C, and the UK’s emerging small modular reactor (SMR) programmes.
Boccard, an international engineering company headquartered in Lyon, France, brings extensive experience, having contributed to 44 of France’s 56 operating reactors. Its expansion into North Wales marks a strategic push into one of Europe’s most ambitious nuclear development environments.
“Our new facility in North Wales is a milestone in our century-long history and part of our broader European expansion. Our ambition is to be a driving force in the UK’s nuclear renaissance, while supporting the country’s decarbonisation and energy sovereignty goals,” said Bruno Boccard, Chairman of Boccard.
Industrial Capacity and Regional Impact
The Deeside facility is set to create over 200 permanent roles, directly supporting regional employment and skills development in an area that spans Flintshire and Cheshire. The region, already home to several advanced manufacturing and energy assets, is positioned to become a central player in the future of UK nuclear.
Stuart Crooks, CEO of Hinkley Point C, emphasized the wider economic and industrial benefits: “Boccard’s new investment in North Wales is a prime example of the way nuclear is creating new industrial capacity in Britain. It’s made possible by a long-term commitment from industry and government, which is creating new and highly skilled jobs that change lives for the better. The new factory means that more work for Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will happen in the UK, putting skills in place to benefit both existing and future nuclear projects.”
Welsh Government Backing and Inward Investment
Backed by over £1 million in funding from the Welsh Government, the new facility is the latest in a wave of investment projects driving forward the Welsh economy. The devolved administration sees the project as a cornerstone of its strategy to attract high-value industry and boost the region’s reputation for advanced engineering.
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, stated: “The opening of Boccard’s new nuclear components manufacturing facility in Deeside clearly signals that Wales is strategically placed to play a central role in the future nuclear supply chain. With a rapidly growing skilled workforce and the presence of major suppliers like Boccard, North Wales is primed to attract further investment into this expanding sector and unlock significant growth for the Welsh economy.”
According to government data, 65 inward investment projects were recorded in Wales last year—a 23% increase on the previous financial year – making it one of the fastest-growing regions for foreign direct investment in the UK.
Nuclear as a Driver of Economic Resilience
The facility is part of a broader strategy to restore the UK’s domestic nuclear supply chain after decades of underinvestment. As energy security climbs the national agenda, particularly in the wake of global energy price shocks, nuclear is being positioned as a long-term solution to deliver dependable, low-carbon power.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband welcomed the announcement, calling it emblematic of the UK’s new approach: “The people of North Wales are set to feel the benefits of our plans to kickstart a golden age of new nuclear. This new manufacturing facility demonstrates the benefits that nuclear power can bring to every corner of the country – building up British supply chains and creating jobs and economic growth. The biggest nuclear building programme in a generation will also help protect family finances, take back control of our energy, and tackle the climate crisis.”
Supporting the SMR Movement
In addition to servicing conventional nuclear projects, Boccard’s new site is expected to play a role in the UK’s SMR programme, a field gaining momentum globally. Several UK-based and international developers are racing to deploy commercial SMRs, with the government aiming to streamline approval processes and ensure supply chain readiness. Boccard’s manufacturing capability could help bridge the technical gap and accelerate deployment timelines.
Positioning for the Long Term
With over a century of expertise in industrial systems integration and more than 3,000 employees globally, Boccard’s entry into the UK market comes at a time when private and public actors alike are reevaluating the role of nuclear in the future energy mix.
Bruno Boccard underlined the company’s commitment: “The UK government’s historic support marks a turning point for the nuclear sector, shifting focus to building a world-class supply chain and attracting top talent. As a leading manufacturer, we look forward to sharing best practices and collaborating to create a nuclear hub in North Wales and across the UK.”
As nations seek a balanced and secure path to Net Zero, nuclear energy is once again at the forefront of policy, investment, and innovation. Boccard’s move is a significant signal that the UK is ready to lead in the global nuclear resurgence.
