Capacity in Britain's nuclear new build sector is growing as applications for the Fit 4 Nuclear programme, operated by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, pass the 90 mark.
More than half of Fit 4 Nuclear’s online applications have received a follow-up visit and further support by the Nuclear AMRC.
Not every company that completes the assessment is offered a follow-up. Companies scoring 1 or 2 on the initial four level assessment are referred to the Manufacturing Advisory Service, with the option of later support from the Nuclear AMRC.
Fit 4 Nuclear is not a formal accreditation or qualification. “The finish line is reaching a level at which we can refer them to our top tier partners as a potential supplier [to the nuclear industry], which also depends on product fit,” says Tim Chapman, spokesman for the Nuclear AMRC, located on the Advanced Manufacturing Park near Rotherham.
It typically takes more than six months from the initial online assessment to the tier one referral stage. This period depends on the initial performance of the company, and how much time and resource they can put into the improvement process.
On Wednesday October 17, members of the Nuclear AMRC and its sister Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre will present at the AMRC and NAMTEC annual conference in Sheffield.
The AMRC and National Metals Technology Centre formed a strategic partnership in September which means the two organisations sharing resources and participating in joint research projects.
For details of the AMRC/NAMTEC annual conference and dinner, go to: http://www.namtec.co.uk/event/show/104
