Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS) stands as a critical manufacturer in the United States, specializing in the production of nuclear fuel material essential for all naval nuclear reactors powering U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Beyond its vital role in national defense, Nuclear Fuel Services also plays a crucial part in converting government stockpiles of Cold War-era highly-enriched uranium (HEU) into a safer form, suitable for processing into fuel for commercial nuclear reactors. This conversion process not only mitigates potential national security threats but also repurposes these materials to generate clean electricity for American homes and businesses, highlighting the dual mission of Nuclear Fuel Services in both security and sustainable energy.
Located in Erwin, Tennessee, the NFS plant is one of only two facilities in the nation licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to store and process highly-enriched uranium. Recognizing the immense value and potential risks associated with this material, Nuclear Fuel Services operates with an unwavering commitment to security and safety. The facility is fortified by a rigorous safety program and protected by a highly trained security force, ensuring the secure handling and storage of nuclear materials.
Recent Achievements in Nuclear Fuel Services
Nuclear Fuel Services has consistently demonstrated its expertise and reliability through significant contract awards and successful project completions. Recent accomplishments underscore the company’s ongoing contributions to both national security and the advancement of nuclear fuel services:
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National Nuclear Security Administration Contract: NFS was awarded a substantial $57.5 million contract from the National Nuclear Security Administration. This contract is specifically designated to prepare for future Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) conversion and purification services. This award signifies the government’s continued trust in Nuclear Fuel Services’ capabilities and its pivotal role in managing and repurposing nuclear materials.
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HEU Downblending Contract: Further solidifying its position in nuclear material management, Nuclear Fuel Services secured a $505 million contract focused on the downblending of 20.2 metric tons of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU). This downblending process is crucial for converting HEU into Low Enriched Uranium (LEU), which is then suitable for use in commercial nuclear reactors. This project directly contributes to reducing the risks associated with highly enriched uranium while creating valuable fuel for clean energy production.
These recent achievements highlight Nuclear Fuel Services’ expertise in handling highly sensitive nuclear materials and its commitment to fulfilling critical national missions related to both defense and energy.
Our Dedicated Workforce in Nuclear Fuel Services
The operations at Nuclear Fuel Services in Erwin, TN, are supported by a robust workforce of over 1,200 individuals daily. This includes direct NFS employees, specialized security personnel, and various contract workers, creating a significant employment hub in the region. The skilled labor force at NFS is proudly represented by the United Steel Workers (Local 9-677), indicating a strong union presence and commitment to fair labor practices within the nuclear fuel services sector. The presence of a large, skilled workforce is essential for the complex and demanding operations involved in nuclear fuel manufacturing and material processing.
Environment, Safety, and Health: Core Values in Nuclear Fuel Services
Nuclear Fuel Services operates with a deep commitment to protecting its employees, the surrounding public, and the environment. This commitment is paramount in all aspects of its nuclear fuel services and is reflected in stringent safety protocols designed to minimize potential industrial, chemical, and radiological exposure.
The company maintains a close working relationship with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to ensure adherence to the highest safety standards. Together, they work to limit radiological, chemical, and other hazards impacting the environment, workers, and the public to levels that are “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA). This ALARA principle is a cornerstone of safety in the nuclear industry, emphasizing continuous improvement and minimization of risk.
Reflecting the critical nature of NFS’s mission and the stringent regulatory oversight, the NRC has stationed a full-time, independent inspector directly at the Erwin plant. This on-site NRC inspector provides continuous review and oversight of the environmental and safety performance of both workers and equipment, ensuring constant vigilance and accountability in Nuclear Fuel Services’ operations.
Economic Impact: Nuclear Fuel Services as a Regional Anchor
Nuclear Fuel Services is not only a national asset but also a vital economic engine for its local community. As the largest employer in Unicoi County, Tennessee, NFS provides substantial economic stability and opportunity to the region. The company contributes approximately $160 million annually in payroll and benefits to its employees and contract personnel. These individuals are employed in a range of specialized fields, including security, engineering, and other technical disciplines, fostering a high-skill, high-wage employment base in the area. This significant economic contribution underscores the importance of Nuclear Fuel Services to the regional economy and the livelihoods of many families in Unicoi County and surrounding areas.
Corporate Citizenship: Investing in the Community
Nuclear Fuel Services demonstrates a strong commitment to corporate citizenship, actively investing in the well-being and development of its local community. Annually, NFS and its employees collectively contribute over $80,000 to local United Way organizations and the Unicoi School’s Adopt-A-School literacy program. Notably, the Adopt-A-School program itself was established by NFS many years ago, showcasing a long-term dedication to local education.
Beyond these key initiatives, NFS regularly donates to approximately 25 charitable, non-profit, and educational organizations. These contributions are strategically aimed at improving health and quality-of-life opportunities for local residents. Recipient organizations include vital community institutions such as the Niswonger Children’s Hospital, Second Harvest Food Bank, Unicoi County Imagination Library, Langston Education & Arts Development Center, and the Clinchfield Senior Adult Citizen Center.
Furthermore, NFS employees and their families actively participate in annual volunteer activities supporting local charitable and educational organizations. This hands-on involvement includes providing supplies and physical labor for essential projects that would otherwise remain undone, demonstrating a deep community engagement beyond financial contributions.
NFS also invests in future generations through scholarships funded via the Monroe Foundation, Milligan College, and Northeast State Community College. In addition to its ongoing scholarship program at Milligan College, NFS made a significant $100,000 commitment to support the launch and growth of Milligan’s engineering program. This program is a pioneering initiative for the Tri-Cities area, fostering local talent in critical STEM fields.
To further promote STEM education, the NFS Speakers Bureau, composed of employee volunteers and coordinated by the NFS Communications department, supports events at local schools, colleges, and universities. The Bureau’s mission is to make learning engaging and stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, contributing to the development of a future workforce prepared for the demands of the nuclear fuel services industry and beyond.
Employee Recruitment Activities: Building the Future of Nuclear Fuel Services
Nuclear Fuel Services actively engages in numerous community events and participates in both local and regional career fairs to attract and recruit talented individuals. The company extends its recruitment efforts to career fairs within a several-hour radius of Erwin, Tennessee, broadening its reach to find the best talent for the nuclear fuel services sector.
Career Fairs and Conferences:
NFS actively participates in a diverse range of career fairs and conferences, including:
- East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Career Fairs
- ETSU Equity & Inclusion Conference
- Northeast State Career Fair
- North Carolina State University Career Fair
- University of Kentucky Engineering Career Fair
- Tuskegee University Career Fair
- University of Alabama Birmingham Engineering Career Fair
- National Society of Black Engineers Career Fair
- Tennessee Tech Career Fair
Partnerships:
NFS cultivates strategic partnerships with various organizations to enhance its recruitment and talent development pipelines. These partnerships include:
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
- National Society of Black Engineers
- ETSU – Multicultural Center, Disability Services & Veterans Affairs
- Milligan College Engineering
- Roane State Community College
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology
- North Carolina A&T Alumni Associations
- INROADS
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- National Society of Black Engineers Chapters at Tennessee Tech and ETSU
- Society of Hispanic Professionals Chapters at North Carolina A&T, Tennessee Tech, University of Tennessee & Vanderbilt University
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers at North Carolina State
- Engineers without Borders at North Carolina State
- Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers at North Carolina State
Through these extensive recruitment activities and partnerships, Nuclear Fuel Services is committed to building a diverse and highly skilled workforce to support its critical mission in nuclear fuel services for decades to come.
