The Centre will be led by the University of Sheffield in partnership with the University of Manchester and with Rolls-Royce as the lead industrial partner. The other founder partners include Areva, Westinghouse and Sheffield Forgemasters Engineering Ltd.
The NAMRC was a commitment under the Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, and is supported by £15m of government funding from the Strategic Investment Fund and £10m from Yorkshire Forward. It will bring together university research and industrial expertise to develop manufacturing techniques and components that will meet the demand for new nuclear power stations. It will also benefit supply chain companies with support in securing accreditation to compete in the civil nuclear sector.
Announcing a number of initiatives for Yorkshire and the North West, the Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson said: "We know that we have to make the transition to a low carbon future, and the Government is determined to ensure that British businesses get the support they need to seize the business opportunities that transition creates. The civil nuclear sector is one of the key low carbon industries where the UK has the potential for job creation, economic growth and engineering and manufacturing excellence. Today's announcement is about investing in our future, a greener, smarter, more skilled, more balanced British economy."
NAMTEC CEO, Alan Partridge said: "The UK's nuclear programme is expected to create over 4.500 jobs over the next 25 years and contribute more than £1bn a year to industry. NAMTEC is proud of becoming a Founder Member of this major initiative. We have been very active in helping to secure the NAMRC for Yorkshire and in promoting the nuclear new build programme. NAMTEC will be supporting the development and delivery of a nuclear manufacturing skills programme, as well as continuing to support the development of the UK supply chain. We are looking forward to working with the NAMRC partners and with the wider nuclear supply chain in this very exciting venture".
