Independent Forgings and Alloys prepares for UK Nuclear New Build Programmes

21st December 2012

Sheffield-based IFA announced this week that they have signed a memorandum of understanding with AREVA for the supply of forged components for the new UK projects on the EPR nuclear reactors.

The agreement marks another step in IFA's business plans to become a key supplier within the nuclear new build programmes in both theUKand Overseas. The signing took place in Westminster, London 13th December in the presence of Philippe Knoche, Chief Operating Officer, AREVA, Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, Managing Director, Nuclear new Build EDF Energy and UK Business Minister, Lord Marland. The agreements relate to the two ERPTM reactors planned by EDF Energy at Hinkley Point for which a site licence was granted last month by the UK Government. The collaboration could also extend to other reactors planned for UK build.  The Sheffield company were one of 25 key suppliers who are pre-qualified by AREVA for selection on the UK new Nuclear new build programme.  With agreements already announced with Rolls Royce, the projects could be worth over £400m to British manufacturers. Managing Director Andy McGuinness who attended the ceremony is optimistic about the future prospects - Specialist Forgings will be a key requirement to the nuclear industry supply chain and represents an important area for IFA to grow their business. The potential demand and long term commitments of these projects mean that the company will make investments to additional forge capacity and resources necessary to become a leader in this field.    IFA is very proud to be one of the pre-qualified companies invited to be selected by AREVA and Rolls-Royce to collaborate with other British companies in theUKnew nuclear projects With our existing collaboration with Rolls Royce and the Nuclear AMRC in Sheffield, IFA will be positioned to have both manufacturing and technical resource to be competitive in this field and supportive of UK component suppliers who will feed into the AREVA supply chain.