Business secretary Greg Clark visited the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) (www.namrc.co.uk) at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham at the end of October to see its work supporting the next generation of nuclear power and to meet some of the centre’s young engineers and apprentices.

During his tour of the workshop, Mr Clark saw a range of advanced machining, joining and robotic technologies that can significantly increase productivity in the manufacture of a new generation of small modular reactors.

Mr Clark was also shown workpieces from an on-going project to reduce the production time for a small modular reactor pressure vessel.

These include pressure-vessel sections that have been joined by electron beam welding — a technique that can reduce weld cycle times from days to hours.

Andrew Storer, CEO, said: “The Nuclear AMRC is playing a vital role in delivering advanced manufacturing techniques and developing the supply chain for the nuclear industry.

“I was delighted to show the Secretary of State some of our world-leading capabilities for industry-led research and development, which are part of the key to achieving the ambitious targets of winning work in the UK and overseas in the nuclear sector deal.”