Photo courtesy of McMenon Engineering

West Cumbria's nuclear capabilities are to be promoted by a delegation of key industry leaders at the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) in Paris next week. The three-day event, taking place 28-30 November in Villepinte, will bring together prominent stakeholders, innovators, and experts from around the world to discuss and explore the latest advancements in the nuclear sector. The delegation from West Cumbria will be based at the UK & EIC (Energy Industries Council) Pavilion).

Led by the Department for Business and Trade, the Northern Powerhouse delegation includes: Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH), www.par.com PAR Systems (UK) Ltd, McMenon Engineering Services Ltd, James Walker, FIS360, Nuclear Transport Solutions, Barrnon and Oakwood Engineering Solutions. The contingent represent the region’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaborative progress within the nuclear technology sphere.

John Maddison, managing director of iSH-based in Cleator Moor, said the role of iSH is to represent and highlight the capability of the West Cumbrian supply chain, acting as a voice for the businesses and academic institutions unable to attend themselves. He added: "West Cumbria has long been a hub for nuclear excellence, and our participation in the WNE underscores our commitment to advancing the industry globally. This is a chance to showcase our capability to a global market.

West Cumbria has a diverse and well-established skills base geared towards decommissioning. That learning and innovation can be used and harnessed elsewhere with our knowledge and learning shared across the world. The goal is to bring back collaboration opportunities for the SMEs who so ably support our nuclear services.”

PAR Systems (UK) Ltd is an advanced engineering company specialising in remote and material-handling solutions for the nuclear industry. Managing director John McGibbon said: “We are delighted to be participating at this year's event as part of the UK Pavilion. We look forward to showcasing our specialist expertise in remote/material handling systems; manipulator systems for in-cell operations; maintenance, site support and upgrade of nuclear cranes and decommissioning applications for the nuclear industry.”

Exploring new horizons
Anand Puthran, McMenon Engineering CEO, said: “As we navigate the currents of growth and diversification, attending the WNE marks a pivotal step in our journey. We are not just showcasing our prowess in providing flow and temperature measurement instrumentation for nuclear projects, but also highlighting the crucial role we can play in this dynamic industry. It is about more than presence it is a commitment to fostering collaborations, exploring new horizons, and solidifying McMenon’s position as a key player in the civil nuclear landscape.”

James Walker, a leading provider of sealing solutions, will demonstrate the crucial role of reliable engineering in nuclear applications. Mark Brook, James Walker manufacturing director, said: “Although James Walker has been supplying sealing solutions to the nuclear industry for many years, applications are constantly developing. We want to make sure that our materials and expertise are considered in these cases, so I will be using the visit to the WNE to carry out research into key application opportunities and to try to identify companies we may be able to partner with in developing solutions to new challenges.”

Frank Allison, CEO of FIS360 said: “FIS360’s participation at the WNE is an opportunity to highlight the importance of innovation and how it shapes the future of nuclear advancement. Our aim is to foster active connections, share insights and explore collaborative partnerships, ultimately contributing to the collective growth of, and innovation within, the nuclear sector.”

The WNE will provide an invaluable platform for these West Cumbrian entities to forge international partnerships, share knowledge, and contribute to the global conversation on the future of nuclear energy. The delegation's presence at the exhibition is a testament to West Cumbria's status as a hub for nuclear innovation and expertise.