Framatome has inaugurated at its Montbard site in France, a new industrial facility dedicated to the fabrication of anti vibration bars, one of the essential components of the nuclear power plants' steam generators. This new facility represents a significant step in the site's industrial development and reinforces Montbard's role within the French and European nuclear supply chains.
This new industrial capacity has been developed to meet the growing needs of the nuclear industry, particularly with regard to the EPR2 program in France and the building of new low carbon nuclear electricity generation capacities elsewhere in Europe.
With an investment of more than €7 million, the project has resulted in the creation of nearly 5 000 m² of high technology industry buildings, as well as the required manufacturing and inspection processes for these strategic components. Industrial qualifications are already underway, and first production is expected to start in 2027.
“This illustrates our commitment to securing a sovereign nuclear supply chain, by developing the industrial capacities needed to meet our customers' needs. Thanks to the recognized expertise of our teams in Montbard, we are today strengthening a strategic link within the French and European nuclear supply chain,” says Lionel Gaiffe, Senior Executive Vice President of Framatome's Fuel Business Unit.
Anti vibration bars play a fundamental role in the operation and service life of steam generators, providing enhanced protection for the tubes inside these key components, and thereby contributing to the safety and long term performance of nuclear reactors.
This new production capacity helps maintain and consolidate this key industrial know how in France. The choice of the Montbard site is based on the experience and skills that its teams have been developing over several decades in manufacturing components meeting the highest nuclear safety and quality standards.
“The inauguration of this new industrial capacity is a major milestone in the development of the Montbard site. It demonstrates the confidence placed in our teams and the recognition of their industrial expertise. With this investment, we are developing new strategic skills and sustainably strengthening Framatome's industrial presence in the Bourgogne Franche Comté region,” emphasizes Marc Lo Pizzo, Framatome's Montbard Site Manager.
The new production line is accompanied by the development of new expertise in precision machining, welding, and non destructive testing. A dedicated team is being gradually set up and trained to meet the requirements of this new activity.
