US nuclear fuel manufacturer will open $13 million production facility in Oak Ridge

A Seattle-based manufacturer of nuclear fuels will invest millions of dollars to establish operations in Oak Ridge.

The state of Tennessee announced Wednesday that Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation will invest $13 million over five years to establish a manufacturing facility.

The company estimated it would create 31 new jobs at the facility, which will be located at East Tennessee Technology Park near Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex.

Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation purchased 8.7 acre site, including a pre-existing industrial building, from Heritage Center LLC in 2021. 

“Tennessee and the East Tennessee Technology Park provide a unique environment for an advanced nuclear innovator like USNC," said Kurt Terrani, executive vice president of the Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation Core Division. "Our proximity to key players in the nuclear energy complex, as well as the exceptionally skilled workforce in the area, are important contributing factors in the success of our Pilot Fuel Manufacturing facility."

The Oak Ridge facility will manufacture the Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated nuclear fuel used in the company's Micro Modular Reactor and refractory ceramic materials, according to the press release. 

Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation is a private, U.S.-owned company based in Seattle with locations in Canada, France, Poland, South Africa, South Korea and the United Kingdom. It has about 150 employees worldwide. 

According to the company's website, Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation designs, licenses and manufactures ceramic additives and nuclear power systems, "for reliable energy anywhere – on Earth and in Space."

Looking for a job?:From Amazon to whiskey, new jobs are coming to East Tennessee in 2022

“As a national leader in clean, reliable nuclear energy, Tennessee plays a significant role in powering America and fueling our economy," Gov. Bill Lee said in a press release. "Our highly skilled workforce, strong business climate and local advantages make Oak Ridge the premier location for Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, and I commend their decision to expand in Tennessee.”

This story has been updated to reflect Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation will take over an existing building at East Tennessee Technology Park.