AL: Gadsden Chosen for $232 Million Microreactor Assembly Plant, Creating 250 Jobs

Seattle-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) will build a $232 million micro-modular reactor assembly plant in Gadsden, the company announced.

When operational, the plant will employ 250 professional and technical workers. Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with the facility operational by 2027.

The automated facility will manufacture, assemble, test and inspect non-radiological modules needed to construct USNC’s micro-modular reactor.

No radioactive material will be used or stored at the Gadsden assembly plant, the company said.

USNC’s Chief Nuclear Officer Dan Stout, made the announcement at the 10th Advanced Reactors Summit and Technology Trailblazers Showcase in Charlotte, N.C., today, with Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford in attendance.

Gadsden won out over hundreds of locations in other states. Gov. Kay Ivey said the “unique facility” will reinforce “Alabama’s reputation for cutting-edge manufacturing operations.

“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,” Ivey said in a statement.

The 578,000-square-foot factory will use advanced manufacturing processes and equipment and will be capable of producing up to ten complete micro-modular nuclear units per year. There is also a high potential for expansion and suppliers to locate in the area, according to the company.

Ford called the announcement a “game-changer.”

“When I took office less than eight months ago, this was one of the first industrial project requests to cross my desk and working toward today’s announcement has been my top priority since,” he said. “With this plant being focused on manufacturing and assembly, our workforce is built for exactly this type of industry. We look forward to filling the hundreds of innovative, technology-driven jobs once this new assembly plant becomes operational in 2027. Gadsden and USNC are excited to grow together.”

Ted Coulter, Plant Director for the MMR factory at USNC, said the company was attracted to Gadsden by its workforce, support and training programs.

“In Gadsden, I have confidence we can hire local talent and operate with both safety and efficiency,” Coulter said. “We are looking forward to becoming a member of the community.”