Helping manufacturers win work in nuclear

2018

In 2017, we have continued to build on our core work

programmes of manufacturing innovation and supply

chain development, and are now expanding our

operations to provide additional support to our partners

and customers.

Our research factory in South Yorkshire now hosts

some £35 million worth of advanced manufacturing

equipment, including exciting new capabilities such

as the UK’s most powerful disk laser cell. We are

expanding into new technology areas such as modular

manufacturing, with our dedicated research facility in

Birkenhead now applying modularisation principles to

new build and decommissioning challenges. And we are

working on major collaborative projects to tackle the

fundamental challenges of nuclear manufacturing.

We have begun a major expansion of our flagship

Fit For Nuclear supplier development programme, to

provide additional support after granting and help even

more companies of all sizes to enter the nuclear supply

chain. We are now building on our award-winning Civil

Nuclear Sharing in Growth programme, which ended in

2017 after smashing all its targets for economic impact,

to help more manufacturers reach the next level of

performance.

We are developing new services in demand modelling

and equipment qualification to help suppliers identify

opportunities and win work, and providing additional

support to manufacturers working in non-mechanical

areas such as electrical control and instrumentation.

These are all key areas for the proposed nuclear sector

deal published at the end of 2017, and we look forward

to playing a key role in the UK’s industrial strategy over

the coming years.

As 2018 begins, EDF Energy is well underway with

construction at Hinkley Point C, and aiming to reduce

costs by 20 per cent at Sizewell C; Kepco is lined up as

preferred bidder for the Moorside development; Horizon

Nuclear Power has secured design approval to build

the ABWR at Wylfa Newydd; and CGN is advancing its

plans for Bradwell. And in decommissioning, the NDA

is looking for innovative approaches to deliver the

maximum value for its £1.8 billion annual spending in the

supply chain.

We can be sure that 2018 will be another busy year for

the UK nuclear industry. And we’re ready to help UK

manufacturers make the most of the opportunities.

Contact us today to find out more about how we can

help you win work, innovate and achieve your ambitions

in the nuclear sector.

Colin Walters,programme director

Jay Shaw,business development

director

Andrew Storer,chief executive officer

Executive introductionSince we opened our doors in 2012, the Nuclear AMRC has become a vital part of the UK nuclear industry. We have worked with more than 800 companies to help them achieve their ambitions, and are continually refining and expanding our activities to provide even more value to the UK nuclear supply chain.

Steve Lawler,operations director

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Professor Steve Jones,chief technology officer

Published January 2018.

What we do 4

Manufacturing innovation 6

Core technologies 8

New capabilities 9

Projects 10

Supply chain development 12

Fit For Nuclear 14

Civil Nuclear Sharing in Growth 16

Demand modelling &

equipment qualification 17

Work with us 18

Commercial research 20

Collaborative R&D 21

Our network 22

Membership 23

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What we do

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Our researchers focus on developing innovative

techniques and optimised processes for large-scale

high-precision manufacturing. Your business can use the

expertise of our engineers and the facilities of our state-

of-the-art workshop to develop and test new processes

on production-scale machines without losing capacity in

your own factories.

We provide a range of business support services to

help manufacturers enter the nuclear supply chain and

compete worldwide. Our flagship Fit For Nuclear (F4N)

programme is a unique service which lets you measure

your business operations against the standards required

to supply the nuclear industry, and take the necessary

steps to close any gaps.

The Nuclear AMRC is backed by industry leaders and

government, and managed by the University of Sheffield

with support from The University of Manchester’s

Dalton Nuclear Institute. We are part of the High Value

Manufacturing Catapult, a national alliance of seven

leading manufacturing research centres.

Since our launch in 2012, we have worked with more

than 800 companies, delivered real value to the industry,

and become established as the UK’s centre of excellence

for advanced nuclear manufacturing.

We continue to develop our capabilities to meet industry

needs. In 2018, we are developing our services in areas

including modular manufacturing, electrical control and

instrumentation, and equipment qualification. Following

the launch of our Birkenhead modularisation facility, we

are now planning to further extend our regional network

with additional specialist R&D centres and supply chain

support hubs in the UK’s key nuclear regions.

We are committed to best practice in nuclear industry

safety culture. As of the start of 2018, we have recorded

over 1,875 days of full operations without a lost-time

accident.

We are committed to gender equality in engineering and

research. We hold the Athena Swan bronze award and

are working towards silver, and are a signatory of the

Women in Nuclear charter.

The Nuclear AMRC helps UK manufacturers win work in the nuclear sector.The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre combines technological innovation with industry expertise to help UK manufacturers improve capabilities and performance along the supply chain. Our facilities and services are open to companies of all sizes.

We help companies through two core work

programmes:

• Manufacturing innovation – working with

companies to overcome their manufacturing

problems, and help them develop the

technical capability to compete on cost,

quality and delivery. Our research spans

the challenging middle stages of capability

development, taking new manufacturing

technologies and processes from proof of

concept towards production readiness.

• Supply chain development – helping

companies compete by raising quality,

reducing costs, and developing new

capabilities. We focus on direct engagement

with suppliers to identify gaps in performance

and capability, support sustainable business

improvements, and help companies move into

nuclear from other sectors. We also work with

the global top tier to help develop their UK

supply chains.

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Manufacturing innovation

Many of our machining centres and welding cells feature

unique capabilities, or are the largest or most powerful

of their kind available for industrial research anywhere in

the world.

The capabilities of our workshop are matched by the

expertise of our team. You can draw on the knowledge

and skills of more than 80 manufacturing engineers and

operators, with over 1,000 person-years of practical

experience.

Our engineers have proven experience of working with

industry in long-term collaborations to significantly

reduce costs and lead times while maintaining or

improving quality. We have also completed hundreds of

shorter projects with a host of companies to investigate

new processes, resolve current process problems, and

tackle manufacturing challenges in a variety of sectors.

We play a key role in the continuing development of the

UK nuclear sector. Developing advanced manufacturing

processes for nuclear applications and embedding

them in the supply chain is vital to increasing UK

manufacturing productivity and reducing risk in the

nuclear programme. Our research aims to help UK

manufacturers compete globally, increasing high-value

jobs, export orders and GDP for the benefit of all.

We have positioned ourselves at the forefront of new

technology areas such as small modular reactors (SMRs)

and next-generation advanced modular reactors (AMRs),

and are working with all the major reactor vendors

targeting UK development.

We also work closely with the Nuclear Decommissioning

Authority and its site licence companies to improve

manufacturing for the clean-up of the UK’s nuclear

legacy sites.

The Nuclear AMRC works with companies to overcome their manufacturing problems, and help them develop the technical capability to compete on cost, quality and delivery.

Contact our research team leaders to find out more:

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Carl Hitchens, head of machining & metrology –

carl.hitchens@namrc.co.uk

Russell Hall, head of welding & materials engineering –

russell.hall@namrc.co.uk

Our research factory on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in South Yorkshire is designed for production-scale technology development and demonstration, and home to over £35 million worth of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.

We concentrate our research on a number of core technology themes which can deliver the

maximum value from targeted technology development for the nuclear new build, operations,

decommissioning and naval sectors.

These areas have been identified through consultation with industrial members and technology

roadmapping events involving manufacturers from along the supply chain. We regularly review

our technology focus to ensure that we are meeting industry requirements.

Core technologiesWe focus on R&D with the maximum impact for the UK nuclear industry.

Intelligent machining – new and optimised processes

for the machining of large and complex components.

Modularisation – innovative techniques for modular

production and assembly of new reactor designs.

Laser welding & cladding – high-speed cladding,

welding and additive manufacturing.

Mechanised arc welding & cladding – automated

techniques for the range of industrial arc processes, in

conventional and narrow-groove welding.

Thick section joining – power beam and arc welding

techniques for very thick sections.

Large-volume metrology – innovative techniques for

contact and non-contact measurement of large parts.

Metal powder manufacturing – near-net shape

manufacturing from metallic powder using hot isostatic

pressing.

Bulk additive manufacturing – high-integrity production

and customisation of large metal components.

Surface integrity – understanding and minimising the

surface quality effects of manufacturing to reduce the

risk of component failure.

Visualisation – virtual and augmented reality for design,

simulation, planning and training.

Our current core technology areas are:

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New capabilitiesWe continue to develop and expand our technology capabilities to meet industry needs. With the UK’s nuclear new build programme underway, we see strong opportunities to increase our

support to UK manufacturers by broadening our R&D capabilities into new areas such as modular

manufacturing and electrical control and instrumentation.

We also continue to expand and enhance our workshop capabilities to meet current demand for process

improvements and to develop manufacturing technologies for the next generation of reactors.

Disk laser cell – with a 16kW Trumpf fibre-coupled disk

laser (believed to be the most powerful of its kind in the

UK) mounted on a six-axis gantry, the cell offers high-

speed high-quality welding of large components, and

allows us to develop new laser cutting techniques for

decommissioning.

Supercritical CO2 cooling – an advanced coolant system

delivering supercritical carbon dioxide at pressures of

over 100 bar, increasing cutting speed and reducing tool

wear for demanding machining processes such as deep

hole drilling.

On-machine inspection – we have installed a range of

contact probes and a laser interferometry system on our

largest machining centre, to verify machining accuracy

without having to move large parts to a CMM.

Robotic machining cell – with machining and inspection

heads carried by a six-axis industrial robot, our new cell

is designed to develop intelligent robotic techniques for

a range of nuclear manufacturing operations.

New facilities in our South Yorkshire research

factory include:

Our new modular manufacturing R&D centre

in Birkenhead opened its doors in July 2017.

The new facility, based at the production site of

our member company Cammell Laird, expands

our capabilities into the emerging area of

modularisation – the off-site assembly of

large-scale complex systems, which are then

transported to site for final installation.

Modular techniques are already widely used

in shipbuilding, aerospace and other safety-

critical industries. In the nuclear sector, they can

significantly reduce construction risk and help

deliver new power stations to schedule and cost.

Our research will address modular manufacturing

for new reactors of all sizes, as well as the

challenges of decommissioning and waste

management.

Modular manufacturing

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ProjectsWe help companies innovate through a host of commercial and collaborative R&D projects.

Much of our work is commercially confidential,

but the current projects below show the breadth

of our research capabilities.

Improving waste container manufacture for Sellafield

We are working with Sellafield Ltd in a long-term

partnership to improve the manufacturing of its waste

containers.

Work focuses on the standard 3m3 intermediate-level

waste container. Tens of thousands of these will be

needed to store waste from Sellafield and other UK

decommissioning sites.

We are investigating a range of manufacturing

techniques including automated welding and inspection,

and working with AMRC Castings to produce the top

flange by casting instead of machining.

In 2017, we successfully demonstrated electron beam

welding of the box seams – taking less than five minutes

per side.

In 2018, we will investigate laser welding using our new

16kW disk laser cell.

We are also leading the integrated innovation team on

waste containers for Sellafield Ltd, investigating a range

of advanced manufacturing techniques, materials and

design concepts for the next generation of

containers.

Developing Rolls-Royce’s SMR design

We are working with Rolls-Royce to help develop its

proposed small modular reactor (SMR) for the UK.

In the first phase of the programme, launched in early

2017, we are carrying out desktop studies on potential

methods of manufacture, and assessing the UK supply

chain’s capabilities to make the SMR to the required

standards.

Driving down production costs through innovative

manufacturing techniques is key to making SMRs

economically viable. We are developing a range

of processes which could be exploited for SMRs –

these include machining techniques such as robotic

machining, single-platform machining and cryogenic

cooling; as well as advanced joining and near-net

shape manufacturing processes such as electron

beam welding, diode laser cladding, bulk additive

manufacturing and hot isostatic pressing.

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We are developing automated inspection for waste containers.

Tackling the fundamental challenges of large-scale manufacturing

We are investigating two contrasting approaches to

producing large-scale nuclear components, with the

aim of cutting production time and cost by half.

We are leading the Inform project to develop an

adaptive fixturing system to ease the movement of

large parts around a factory and ensure precision

through a range of operations.

And in the Simple project, we aim to integrate a range

of manufacturing operations onto a single machining

platform, beginning with an integrated tool for welding

and in-process inspection.

Both collaborative projects involve a consortium of

UK industry and research partners, and were launched

in December 2017, with a total of around £2.5 million

funding through the Small Business Research Initiative.

Revolutionising pressure vessel production

We are working with the US Electric Power Research

Institute (EPRI) to develop new manufacturing and

fabrication methods for reactor pressure vessels.

The four-year collaboration, funded by the US

Department of Energy, aims to reduce the total time

needed to produce a SMR pressure vessel from around

two and a half years to less than 12 months.

We are developing electron beam welding techniques

for vessel sections made from metal powder using hot

isostatic pressing (HIP). We will also develop techniques

including diode laser cladding and advanced machining

for pressure vessel production. The project involves

industrial partners on both sides of the Atlantic, including

Sheffield Forgemasters.

Applying modular principles to testing rigs

In the first major project at our new modularisation

research facility in Birkenhead, we are working with

Frazer-Nash Consultancy to develop an innovative

modular testing rig for safety-critical nuclear

components.

Frazer-Nash is developing a specification for a new

national thermal hydraulics test rig to underpin

the development, safety and efficiency of the next

generation of nuclear reactor designs. We are applying

modularisation principles to help design a rig that

can test a wide variety of nuclear components and

assemblies under a range of conditions, reducing on-site

commissioning costs and timescales.

The initial project focuses on developing a virtual model

of the rig, using our VR and digital modelling capabilities

to prove the concept of a modular testing rig.

Driving European collaboration

We are working with industry and research partners

across Europe in long-term collaborative projects

funded through the Horizon 2020 programme.

Projects launched in 2017 include:

Meactos – reducing the risk of stress corrosion cracking

in the primary circuit of light water reactors. We are

focusing on the root causes of stress corrosion cracking

in nuclear steels.

Gemini+ – developing a small modular high-

temperature gas reactor for industrial co-generation

applications. We are leading a study on modular

manufacturing and construction techniques.

Coroma – developing intelligent robots for a range of

manufacturing tasks. We will demonstrate applications

for large reactor components by combining a range of

techniques on our Soraluce FX12000 machining centre.

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Design concept for the Simple single manufacturing platform.

Supply chain development

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Our flagship Fit For Nuclear (F4N) programme is a

unique service to help UK manufacturers get ready to

bid for work in nuclear, allowing companies to measure

their operations against industry standards and take the

necessary steps to close any gaps.

F4N is an industry-recognised hallmark of business

excellence. We have continually refined the service

since its launch in 2011, and are now expanding the F4N

programme to provide additional support to companies

after granting.

Most of the companies working through our supplier

development programmes are small and medium-sized

enterprises (SMEs). By helping smaller manufacturers

understand what the market expects from them, what

they may be capable of supplying, and where they sit

in the nuclear supply chain, we demystify the nuclear

sector and remove barriers to entry.

We also offer tailored supply chain consultancy

services to build links and share knowledge between

suppliers and top-tier customers, and to help overseas

developers develop their UK supply chains.

We support skills development by working with the

National Skills Academy for Nuclear to provide a

one-stop shop for manufacturers along the nuclear

supply chain. To date, around 1,000 employees have

completed the introductory Triple Bar for Nuclear

Manufacturing course.

Our sister centre, the AMRC Training Centre, provides

practical skills from apprenticeships through to

doctorate and MBA level for manufacturing companies

of all sizes. More than 1,000 young people have now

begun advanced or higher apprenticeships at the

Training Centre.

We continue to develop our supply chain development

services to meet industry needs, and to extend our

services into complementary areas of the nuclear

industry such as electrical control and instrumentation.

A major focus for 2018 is tackling a national gap in

equipment qualification (EQ) capabilities, to help UK

manufacturers better compete against experienced

overseas suppliers.

The Nuclear AMRC works with companies along the UK’s nuclear supply chain to help them compete by raising quality, reducing costs, and developing new capabilities.We offer a wealth of targeted supply chain services to manufacturers, from free advice and expertise through the Ask Nuclear service; to detailed demand modelling to map future contract opportunities and help match manufacturers with relevant work packages.

To find out more, contact:

Helen Arthur, supply chain development programme manager – helen.arthur@namrc.co.uk

Delivered exclusively by the Nuclear AMRC, F4N lets UK manufacturers measure their operations against the standards required to supply the nuclear industry, and take the necessary steps to close any gaps and reach the next level of performance.

We have developed F4N with the support of our

industry partners, including reactor vendors, new build

developers, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority,

and their top-tier suppliers. These industry leaders are

using F4N to identify potential companies for their

own supply chains.

F4N is a journey of business improvement, typically

taking 12–18 months to granting. There is no charge

for the F4N assessment or the support of our industrial

advisors, but you will need to invest to close any gaps.

F4N will demand commitment and drive from your

senior management team, but we will support you

through every step.

More than 640 companies – mostly SMEs – have

taken the F4N assessment as of January 2018.

More than 130 have completed the programme by

driving improvements through a tailored action plan.

Participants have reported a wide range of benefits,

from new contracts to demonstrable improvements

in quality. In a 2017 survey of participants, 89 per

cent said they would recommend F4N to other

manufacturers.

We continue to expand and develop the F4N

programme in collaboration with industry partners

and stakeholders, to provide additional value to UK

manufacturers. We announced a major expansion

of the programme in autumn 2017, and are now

providing additional targeted support to companies

after F4N granting, to help them identify opportunities

in the nuclear sector and win work.

Start your F4N journey:namrc.co.uk/services/f4n

Fit For Nuclear (F4N) helps manufacturers assess and develop their readiness to bid for work in nuclear new build, operations and decommissioning.

Nuclear capability questionnaireYou complete a short initial questionnaire, to help us

understand how we can best support your business.

Online assessmentThe full F4N assessment covers six key categories of

business operation and performance, with 10 multiple-

choice questions in each category.

Site verification visitYou will receive an initial rating, based on the information

you have provided. If you meet the minimum standard,

we will arrange a visit to review and verify your answers.

Action planYour F4N industrial advisor will help you create a

bespoke action plan to close any gaps in performance.

Programme reviewsYour industrial advisor will arrange regular meetings to

discuss your progress through your action plan, and

update you on the latest news and opportunities in the

nuclear market.

Nuclear checklistNuclear buyers have specific expectations in addition

to the usual business standards. Our checklist helps you

assess your readiness to meet these expectations and

identify any areas for further development.

Pre-grant visitAs you near the end of your action plan, your industrial

advisor will visit to review your progress, and work with

you to prepare your case for the F4N granting panel.

F4N granted & ongoing supportOnce the granting panel is satisfied that you can meet

all the standards, we will grant Fit For Nuclear for three

years. We will add you to our online directories of F4N

companies to increase your visibility to nuclear buyers.

Your industrial advisor will visit you twice a year to

ensure that your business is maintaining F4N standards,

and help you access ongoing support.

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The F4N journey

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Website now open for business

Companies granted F4N in 2017 include:

New for 2018, F4N Connect

offers F4N-granted manufacturers an exclusive

shop window for the nuclear industry. Nuclear

buyers can identify potential F4N suppliers to

meet their specific needs with the confidence that

all are nuclear-ready.

connect.f4n.namrc.co.uk

Meet all the F4N companies: namrc.co.uk/services/f4n/companies

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would recommend F4N to other manufacturers89%

Heatric – a specialist manufacturer of advanced heat

exchangers, now targeting new nuclear business. Part

of the international Meggitt group, Poole-based Heatric

closed gaps in its health & safety practice and identified

additional nuclear quality standards.

“F4N just fitted for us perfectly. We knew it was

going to take significant resource and effort to

break into nuclear and establish ourselves,

but F4N gives us credence when we’re presenting

our capabilities.”

Andrew James, innovation & new business leader.

Barrnon – an innovative engineering SME preparing

for rapid growth as it moves from the fishing industry

into nuclear decommissioning. Cumbria-based

Barrnon used F4N to upgrade its workshop and quality

management operations, in advance of major contracts

for its specialist waste handling tools.

“F4N gave us hands-on experience from people who

spend all their time going out to factories and seeing

what’s needed for nuclear. We wouldn’t be in this

position without F4N.”

Steve Thompson, business development manager.

RED Engineering – an engineering services firm

expanding from its core oil & gas market into nuclear.

Newcastle-based RED used F4N to gain independent

validation of its nuclear readiness and to enhance its

credibility as a new entrant.

“The F4N programme has enabled us to ramp up

our activity in the nuclear sector, approaching Tier 2

suppliers in a project-ready state, with the confidence

that we have the capacity to provide a suitable level of

service for the industry.”

Toby Bailey, business development director.

Fairford Electronics – a specialist manufacturer

of soft starters for electric motors. Devon-based Fairford

used F4N to drive business improvements and support

employee engagement, and is now targeting new

opportunities.

“F4N lets us show people there’s a reason for what

we’re doing. It’s a really useful way of engaging

everybody and showing that we know how to work to

higher standards.”

Jonathan Atkins, head of quality.

CNSIG was designed to develop the UK manufacturing

supply chain for civil nuclear new build, operations and

decommissioning, and help UK companies win work

in the nuclear industry at home and overseas. CNSIG

was part-funded by government through the Regional

Growth Fund and by Rolls-Royce.

Eight companies completed a four-year programme

of business development and training, tailored to the

specific needs of their business, and supported by £1

million match-funding each. The programme included

shopfloor manufacturing improvement, process

improvement, leadership development and specific

nuclear sector knowledge.

The programme’s success was recognised at the NDA

supply chain awards in November 2017, where CNSIG

won the award for best enhancement of capability and

capacity.

We are now building on the success of CNSIG by

integrating the experience and learning gained during

the programme into the expanded Fit For Nuclear,

to help even more companies reach the next level of

nuclear readiness.

£507of new contractsmillion

private sector investment

£51.6additionalmillion

or sustained

6,040jobs created

Companies in the CNSIG high-intensity supplier development programme:

To September 2017, the companies in the supplier development programme reported:

Civil Nuclear Sharing in GrowthOver the past four years, we have delivered significant benefits to key companies in the nuclear supply chain through the Civil Nuclear Sharing in Growth (CNSIG) programme.

• Ansaldo Nuclear

• Goodwin International

• Hayward Tyler

• IMI Truflo Marine

• James Fisher Nuclear

• NIS

• Stainless Metalcraft

• TSP Engineering

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Demand modellingWe are developing new UK demand models for the nuclear sector, to map future contract opportunities and help match manufacturers with relevant work packages.

We are working with the Nuclear Industry Association

(NIA) to create a robust model of future demand

for UK nuclear manufacturing. The model will help

manufacturers identify work packages which they can

bid for, and allow R&D and support to be focused on

areas of the greatest value to the UK supply chain.

The initial project, launched in late 2017, focuses on

particular commodity requirements for a representative

new build project. We will then extend the modelling

methodology to cover the full range of commodities

and components for the new build programme, as

well as the requirements of the decommissioning and

submarine programmes.

We are also combining demand model data with

virtual models of complete reactor systems, to create

an interactive and intuitive tool for supply chain

development.

We have created and demonstrated a prototype system

combining a generic reactor design with historic market

information. The detailed 3D virtual model allows the

reactor to be broken down into its sections, components

and commodity types, and identifies suppliers capable of

producing each system.

We are now integrating the visualisation tool with real

reactor designs, current information on supply chain

capability and capacity, and updated demand model

data. This will help developers, suppliers and other

stakeholders to understand specifications, identify

potential supply chain partners, and highlight domestic

involvement in new build projects.

EQ is a systematic approach to ensuring that safety-

critical components and systems being manufactured

for new nuclear power stations meet the appropriate

quality standards.

EQ is intrinsically linked to nuclear safety. UK

manufacturers bidding for new build work will need

to understand if there are EQ requirements for their

particular products and, if so, how they can be satisfied.

In 2017, the Nuclear AMRC commissioned the EQ

Alliance – comprising Rolls-Royce, Lloyd’s Register,

Assystem and Arexis – to produce a detailed report on

EQ requirements for the UK new build programme, and

examine the UK’s current capabilities.

We are now sharing the findings with stakeholders,

and developing our EQ strategy to address the gaps in

national capability.

Equipment qualificationWe are tackling a national gap in equipment qualification (EQ) capabilities, to help UK manufacturers secure work in the new build programme.

Work with us

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• Game-changing process improvements.

• Rapid solutions to your current manufacturing problems.

• De-risking of high-value one-off projects.

• Proof of concept for innovative manufacturing techniques.

• Transfer of knowledge and processes from other sectors.

• New intellectual property.

Working with us can give you:

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The Nuclear AMRC is here to support manufacturing companies, from SMEs to global giants, which want to win business in the nuclear sector.

We help manufacturers through supplier development

and innovative R&D. If we can help your company, we

want to hear from you.

We can help you raise your quality, capability and cost

competitiveness to meet the needs of the global nuclear

industry. Our Fit For Nuclear programme has become

the benchmark for UK nuclear manufacturing, and is the

ideal first step into the sector.

We can work with you to develop world-leading

manufacturing processes and technologies. We have

the production-scale facilities and the manufacturing

expertise to help you improve cycle time, reduce lead

time, improve quality, reduce costs, develop new

capabilities, and compete in a global market.

You can commission commercial research to address

your specific needs, or collaborate through an

externally-funded research consortium to meet your

R&D objectives.

Our capabilities and services are open to all UK

manufacturers. We provide a responsive service to help

you solve your manufacturing challenges and win new

work.

We can call on our network of industry and research

partners – including the additional manufacturing R&D

capabilities of our sister centre, the AMRC with Boeing,

and the other specialist centres within the High Value

Manufacturing Catapult – to give you the support you

need to meet your goals.

To get the most value from your relationship with us,

you can become a member of the Nuclear AMRC.

Membership gives you access to our generic projects

and the opportunity to determine our core research,

plus significant business development and networking

opportunities.

You can commission research with us to resolve your

manufacturing challenges, optimise production, or

explore new technologies.

We provide a flexible service to meet your specific

requirements. Projects may take anything from a few

days to a year or more, but we will keep you updated

at every stage.

We operate in full commercial confidentiality. You

own any resulting intellectual property. We do not

operate for profit, so costs are simply based on staff

and equipment time plus material and consumables.

Our government funding means that we can’t do

any production work, but we can help you develop

the capabilities to take your own production to the

next level.

Typical projects could include:

• Optimising your current manufacturing processes.

• Investigating and proving new and

innovative processes.

• Design for manufacture, assembly or inspection.

• Selecting the best tools for your task,

and optimising their performance.

• Identifying opportunities for improvement.

Commercial researchWhether you’re a global giant or a specialist SME, you can access our facilities and expertise through R&D projects to meet your commercial needs.

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Tell us your problem Contact us for an informal discussion about your

manufacturing challenge. If your needs don’t

match our capabilities, we can suggest alternative

research partners.

Requirements capture In-depth discussion with our engineers and project

managers to identify your R&D needs. We’re happy

to visit your facility to better understand your

challenges and capabilities.

Statement of work We agree scope, cost, schedule and deliverables

for the project. You then provide us with a

purchase order.

Start of project Our engineers tackle your challenge, with support

from your team as appropriate.

Regular project updatesWe will keep you updated on an agreed schedule. If

anything unexpected comes up, we will inform you

as soon as possible and manage change control.

Project handoverWe will provide the project results in an agreed

format, along with testpieces, samples or

prototypes. We will transfer all knowledge

generated during the project to you.

Feedback and follow-onWe will ask you to complete a customer

satisfaction survey, and review any potential follow-

on work. If commercial sensitivity allows, we can

help promote your company’s innovation through

a case study.

How a typical commercial project works

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To find out more, contact:Jay Shaw, business development director –

jay.shaw@namrc.co.uk

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Talk to us Help us understand your current capabilities and

what you want to achieve, the problem you want to

solve or the innovation you want to develop.

Identify fundingWe keep track of new funding calls and opportunities

from all the major funding bodies. If any match your

interests, we will provide details as soon as possible.

Consortium buildingMany calls require a consortium of companies

and research institutions. We can identify potential

partners from our network to meet specific

requirements.

Bid writing & submissionYou will need to provide technical information,

detailed costs and a business case. We can manage

bid writing, even if we’re not leading the project itself.

Contract negotiation If we are leading the project, we will manage

the formal agreements between the funder and

consortium members, including IP issues. If you are

leading, we can advise as required.

Project kickoffThe consortium meets to discuss detailed work

planning and management. We can host the kickoff

meeting if appropriate.

Regular project updatesWe will arrange regular meetings and updates to

discuss progress, share ideas, and ensure that all

partners are delivering to schedule.

Project close & follow-on activityWe can manage final reporting, and support

dissemination through our established

communications channels. We can also discuss

continuing collaboration to take the innovations

developed during the project to the next level of

commercial development.

We lead and participate in a host of collaborative

R&D projects, supported by UK and international

funding programmes. We have extensive experience

of securing funding from sources including Innovate

UK, the UK research councils, and the European

Horizon 2020 programme.

We always want to hear from potential project

partners. We track new funding opportunities –

including new initiatives such as the Industrial

Strategy Challenge Fund – and can build research

consortia, write bids, and manage projects.

We can also bring our capabilities to your projects

to support your R&D objectives. For some funding

programmes, the project has to be led by a company

– if so, we can provide as much support as required.

Project schedules can vary from a few months to

several years, but we will support you through

every stage.

Collaborative R&DThe Nuclear AMRC can work with you through collaborative research projects, supported by external funding, to meet your business needs and interests.

How a typical collaborative project works

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To find out more, contact:Jay Shaw, business development director –

jay.shaw@namrc.co.uk

We are part of a world-leading cluster of

advanced manufacturing innovation at the

University of Sheffield. Our sister centres

include:

• AMRC with Boeing, leading applied R&D

in machining, assembly, design and

prototyping, structural testing, composites

and casting.

• Castings Technology International,

providing technology and expertise to the

cast metals sector.

• AMRC Training Centre, offering advanced

apprenticeships and professional

development.

• AMRC Knowledge Transfer Centre, providing

flexible conference and meeting facilities for

advanced manufacturing businesses.

• Industrial Doctorate Centre in Machining

Science, linking companies with young

researchers for in-depth research.

The Nuclear AMRC is part of the High Value

Manufacturing Catapult, a national alliance of seven

leading manufacturing research centres backed by

Innovate UK.

Being part of the Catapult ensures that we are at the

heart of the UK’s industrial strategy. It allows companies

working with us to tap into a national network of

manufacturing research excellence – if aspects of a

particular challenge fall outside our areas of expertise,

we can call on the other Catapult centres for additional

knowledge and resources.

The other centres within the High Value Manufacturing

Catapult are:

• Advanced Forming Research Centre, Strathclyde.

• Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

with Boeing, South Yorkshire.

• Centre for Process Innovation, Redcar.

• Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry

• National Composites Centre, Bristol.

• Warwick Manufacturing Group, Coventry.

We have a strong nuclear industry network, working

closely with other bodies in the public and private

sectors including all the new build groups and

stakeholders. We are part of the industry-leading

N-Group alongside the National Nuclear Laboratory,

National Skills Academy for Nuclear, Nuclear

Decommissioning Authority, Nuclear Industry

Association, Office for Nuclear Regulation, and Nuclear

Institute.

We also work closely with industry groups such as the

Energy Industries Council (EIC) and NOF Energy to help

more manufacturers expand from other energy sectors

into nuclear.

Our networkWe can help you tap into a national network of advanced manufacturing innovation and nuclear sector expertise.

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We are led by our member companies, ensuring

that everything we do delivers value to industry. Our

membership brings together manufacturers and specialist

equipment providers with nuclear industry OEMs and

reactor developers.

We offer our members significant business development

benefits, networking opportunities, and priority access to

market intelligence and targeted support. We provide an

international showcase for the UK nuclear supply chain,

and offer our members an exclusive platform to support

your marketing aims.

As a member, you can help determine our research

priorities and capabilities, and leverage your R&D

investment through our board-directed research.

Membership is a strategic alliance, and a mutually

advantageous relationship. Getting the most out of

your membership will require active engagement and

commitment – but the network benefits and leveraged

funding of our collaborative model mean that you can

realise significant value from your investment.

Our two-tier membership structure and flexible terms

allow us to tailor your membership to the specific needs

of your business. The appropriate tier depends on the size

of your company and your position in the supply chain.

The annual fee is a contribution towards our shared

resources, including the board-directed programme of

core research projects.

MembershipBecoming a member of the Nuclear AMRC gives you the highest level of engagement and support, and a place at the heart of the UK nuclear manufacturing industry.

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Meet all our members:namrc.co.uk/members

To find out more, contact:Ross Barrable, membership manager –

ross.barrable@namrc.co.uk

New members joining in 2017 include:Cammell Laird – a leader in advanced marine

engineering, operating from a 120 acre site

on the Mersey. It is expanding its services for

the nuclear sector, with a focus on the off-site

production of large-scale modules.

DavyMarkham – a leading manufacturer of large

components and systems for the nuclear and

defence sectors. Products include casks and

containers for intermediate and high-level waste.

Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) – the trade

association for the civil nuclear industry in the

UK, representing more than 250 companies

across the UK’s nuclear supply chain.

Cammell Laird

Contact us to find out more:

Nuclear AMRC

The University of Sheffield

Advanced Manufacturing Park

Brunel Way, Rotherham S60 5WG

online: namrc.co.uk

email: enquiries@namrc.co.uk

tel: +44 (0)114 222 9900