The Nuclear AMRC has helped hundreds of companies to achieve their goals through manufacturing innovation and supplier development.

We have worked with businesses of all sizes to help them become more competitive, and delivered real business benefits. We have helped companies win billions of pounds of new business, and create or safeguard thousands of jobs.

You can discover some of our recent success stories below. Click on the title or image to open each case study as a two-page pdf.

For the latest news on how we’re helping UK manufacturers win work in civil nuclear and other innovative energy sectors, see our quarterly newsletter.

Manufacturing innovation

case study front pageWaste container prototyping for Capsa Solutions

We worked with engineering specialist Capsa to produce two prototypes of an innovative waste container which could reduce the costs of long-term storage and disposal of nuclear waste.

Capsa developed the container concept with support from Sellafield’s Game Changer programme and Innovate UK, and worked with us on design for manufacturing.

We then produced two prototypes of different sizes, with extensive pre-production trials to optimise the fabrication process and minimise the risk of distortion.

Simulations identify real savings for heat treatment users

Our digital engineers completed a set of complex simulations to help improve the efficiency of energy-intensive heat treatment processes.

The work was part of a two-year collaborative project called AI6S, which is developing a suite of process optimisation tools based on artificial intelligence and lean six sigma practices to reduce the energy used in heat treatment.

The partners estimate that the tools, if applied across a range of foundation industries, could reduce annual emissions by the equivalent of 21,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the UK alone.

“It was great to have support from the local Nuclear AMRC facility, as it’s invaluable to have science-backed analysis to enable change decisions.” – Steve Savage, strategic operations manager, Abbey Forged Products.

case study frontPrototype canister for Deep Isolation

We worked with US-based Deep Isolation to produce a prototype for a new design of corrosion-resistant canister for the safe underground disposal of spent fuel assemblies.

The prototype, produced with support from the government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, measures almost five metres in length, with a cylindrical outer shell and end plates in Duplex stainless steel, plus internal structures to hold a fuel tube assembly.

“With the support of Nuclear AMRC’s world-class team, technologies and UK partners, we now know how to refine the design to enable highly efficient manufacturing at scale.” – Chris Parker, managing director, Deep Isolation EMEA.

Supply chain development

case study front pageLion Engineering embraces the culture change

Norfolk- based Lion is winning new machining work in nuclear, and continuing to expand its capabilities after being granted F4N.

Previously focusing on the oil and gas sector, Lion took a strategic decision to diversify into low-carbon markets to support the UK’s energy transition. The team used F4N to drive business improvements and cultural change, and develop new capabilities for the sector.

“Working with the Nuclear AMRC has opened a lot of doors in terms of projects, funding and training.” – Ashley Sewell, quality manager, Lion Engineering.

case study front pageHyde Group Nuclear puts focus on quality

Manchester-based Hyde Group is targeting new work across the nuclear sector after being granted F4N.

Hyde entered F4N to benchmark their capabilities for nuclear customers, and have used the support to enhance quality management and continuous improvement programmes across the group.

“It’s very much an improvement process – not just achieving the business standard, but driving forwards for improvements.” – Simon Collins, group quality director, Hyde Group.

Trillium Flow Technologies brings new culture to historic brands

Specialist manufacturer Trillium Flow Technologies is aiming to put its valves back at the heart of the UK nuclear industry after being granted Fit For Nuclear.

After driving improvements in areas around nuclear culture, the team say that F4N has given them new enthusiasm to get out and talk to major players in the UK nuclear market.

“When we’re talking to our customers, companies are asking are we F4N? People are pleased that we’re F4N granted, because that’s what they’re looking for now.” – Ged Chauveau, head of engineering, Trillium Flow Technologies.