Governor Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday that Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), a Seattle-based company, plans to invest $232 million to locate a facility in Gadsden to produce its industry-leading Micro-Modular Reactor.
The highly automated MMR Assembly Plant (MAP) will manufacture, assemble, test, and inspect the non-radiological modules needed to construct its advanced microreactors. No radioactive material will be used or stored at the company’s new Alabama facility.
USNC says the Gadsden plant will be the nation’s first commercial-scale microreactor production facility. When operational, MAP will employ 250 professional and technical workers.
“Alabama is home to an impressive array of highly innovative companies, so our state is an ideal place for Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.’s new advanced microreactor assembly plant,” said Gov. Ivey. “This unique facility will benefit the Gadsden community through a significant investment and the creation of good jobs, while also reinforcing Alabama’s reputation for cutting-edge manufacturing operations.”
It’s no secret Alabama has a knack for recruiting cutting-edge manufacturing operations.
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 21, 2023
Today, I announced @UltraSafeNuke plans to invest $232 million to locate a unique facility in Gadsden, creating 250 good jobs for Alabamians! #alpoliticshttps://t.co/gTuLi8xGIY
Dan Stout is USNC’s Chief Nuclear Officer.
“We appreciate the interest and support for this effort from the City of Gadsden, Etowah County, the Alabama Department of Commerce, and so many others up to and including Governor Ivey and her talented team,” said Stout. “We especially appreciate the guidance and efforts of April Gray at the Department of Commerce and David Hooks of the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority in making this project a reality.”
USNC said the decision to locate in Gadsden resulted from a year-long search spanning 16 states and hundreds of potential sites. Primary factors evaluated included site suitability and infrastructure, skilled workforce availability, and overall project economics.
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Companies consider many factors in the site selection process. A business-friendly climate that includes a quality and skilled workforce, infrastructure, low taxes, competitive incentives, and an excellent quality of life facilitates an environment conducive for business. The direct and indirect jobs created as a result of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.’s 578,000 square foot microreactor assembly plant will benefit Gadsden and the entire state of Alabama.”
USNC and the State of Alabama formalized the deal through a project agreement executed by Gov. Ivey and Stout. The agreement was announced by Stout at the 10th Advanced Reactors Summit and Technology Trailblazers Showcase.
The 578,000-square-foot factory will feature state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing processes and equipment and will be capable of producing up to 10 complete MMR nuclear units per year.
Ted Coulter is the plant director for the MMR factory at USNC.
“We are attracted to Gadsden by their skilled workforce and the outstanding training programs and support they are bringing to the table,” said Director Coulter. “In Gadsden, I have confidence we can hire local talent and operate with both safety and efficiency. We are looking forward to becoming a member of the community.”
Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with the facility operational in 2027.
“This is a game-changer for Gadsden,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.’s selection of Gadsden proves what I’ve known all my life about the unmatched grit and capability of our workforce.”
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