Holtec Britain, an innovative leader in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and a finalist in Great British Nuclear’s SMR competition, has today selected GatewayEast, next to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, as the preferred location for its planned new UK factory. The company is now entering detailed negotiations with the developer, Peel Land.
The landmark decision has been widely welcomed by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones, local Labour MP Lee Pitcher, and industry leads.
Holtec’s decision also comes weeks after the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, confirmed £30m to fund the reopening of the airport. Since it closed in 2022, local politicians and businesses have campaigned to reopen it to drive growth across the region.
Image credit: Holtec Britain
After evaluating 13 regions across the UK - Holtec – who have been working in the UK for nearly 30 years – chose South Yorkshire as its base to localise production in the region. Within South Yorkshire, GatewayEast outcompeted two other shortlisted sites. The location offers 80 hectares of development land adjacent to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.
The planned factory is the centrepiece of Holtec’s UK investment plans. Analysis from former government Green-Book economists at Bradshaw Advisory estimates the factory will generate £1.8bn GVA (£1.5bn from the proposed factory and £300m from professional engineering and technical services relating to SMR deployment), create 3,600 construction, 16,000+ supply chain, and 3,000 unionised engineering jobs over 20 years.
Crucially, the new hub will give the UK ‘first mover advantage’ at the helm of a new export market for SMR components worth billions. The factory will produce 2 SMR units annually, with half of the output slated for exports. Holtec’s SMR is a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) - the most common type in the world and the same type under construction at Hinkley Point C, helping to standardise supply chains and develop a skilled UK workforce.
Earlier this month, Holtec Britain’s Director, Gareth Thomas, visited the site alongside Dame Julia King, Holtec’s Senior Advisor (and Chair of the Climate Change Committee's Adaptation Sub-Committee) before heading to Sheffield Forgemasters to sign the UK Steel Charter.
Holtec Britain aims to use 70% UK content in its nuclear, clean energy and defence programmes. Its commitments to the UK’s industrial base means Holtec’s UK plans have rallied strong support - signing MOUs with South Yorkshire Combined Authority, Sheffield Forgemasters, the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Holtec is also in deep discussions with the GMB, Prospect and Community unions.
Image credit: Holtec Britain
Gareth Thomas, Director at Holtec Britain, said: “In Doncaster, Holtec’s plans for a new advanced manufacturing facility will create a new industrial renaissance for the nation. We are delivering tangible wins for the British economy - thousands of homegrown jobs, foreign direct investment, a new export market, the re-industrialisation of South Yorkshire, cementing US, UK, Korean and Japanese relations through our partners - all while lowering bills, and powering the economy through clean energy.” “With the reopening of Doncaster-Sheffield airport, we’re excited about the potential this site has to offer. Holtec is now finalising the factory business plan to support its Final Investment Decision.” “We are proud to back Britain’s industrial base working with trade unions and UK industry partners.”
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This major investment is fantastic news for Doncaster and South Yorkshire. The GatewayEast development is the perfect location for Holtec Britain to build their new £1.5bn manufacturing facility. Not only will it create significant economic growth, but it will also deliver thousands of skilled, high-quality local jobs alongside developing supply chain opportunities and partnerships for our businesses”. “GatewayEast is adjacent to Doncaster Sheffield Airport and this major investment from Holtec Britain will help us deliver the modern industrial and manufacturing hub that will support our airport which will be the gateway to the rest of the world”. “I am delighted to welcome Holtec Britain to Doncaster and excited about the long-term opportunities it will generate for our city and the clean energy it will deliver for the future of our country”
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