WIREDGOV

A UK company has won a multi-million pound deal to supply glove boxes to support nuclear clean-up at Sellafield.

Cavendish Nuclear will design, manufacture and test glove box systems in two new plants which will treat and manage nuclear materials.

Glove boxes are sealed containers designed so objects can be manipulated in an enclosed atmosphere.

The contract is worth up to £95m over 10 years.

Martin Chown, Sellafield Ltd supply chain director, said:

Safe and secure clean-up of the nuclear legacy at Sellafield is our number one priority.

Treatment and management of nuclear materials in the appropriate environment is vital.

Placing this contract with Cavendish Nuclear - a highly respected nuclear services provider – is an important step in our mission.

The company has pledged to deliver a positive social impact for our local community during the contract. I look forward to working with them to ensure this delivers the maximum possible value.

Cavendish Nuclear will now work with Sellafield Ltd to finalise details of its social impact investment.

This is expected to include a commitment to placing a significant percentage of work with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and holding school workshops in Cumbria on science, technology, engineering and maths.

Ron Gorham, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) supply chain lead said:

“The expertise in the UK’s nuclear supply chain is unrivalled around the world and remains vital to delivering the NDA’s mission of cleaning up the UK’s nuclear legacy.

“The NDA is committed to working with SMEs and ensuring the benefit of every pound spent decommissioning our sites is felt within our communities.”

Paul Smith, managing director of nuclear services at Cavendish Nuclear, said:

“We are delighted to continue to support Sellafield Ltd in the delivery of this strategically important programme.

“We believe our collaborative approach to delivery is what differentiates our offer.

“Our team offers significant manufacturing capacity to meet the demands of the programme whilst also providing opportunities to share best practice across suppliers.”