Balfour Beatty has been appointed by Rolls-Royce as the sole contractor on its fissile construction framework.
The framework includes the delivery of “critical” nuclear-licensed infrastructure required to support Rolls-Royce’s manufacture of fissile components for the Royal Navy’s submarine propulsion systems and the new AUKUS submarines.
Balfour Beatty’s work will involve the construction of new, highly specialised manufacturing and processing facilities within the licensed nuclear site boundary, and the upgrade and refurbishment of existing nuclear plant infrastructure essential for the production of fissile materials.
It will also include extensive site-wide infrastructure enhancements compliant with nuclear safety and security regulations.
The appointment follows Rolls-Royce’s selection of Balfour Beatty as its non-fissile construction partner in May 2024 to expand its Raynesway site in Derby.
‘A strong endorsement’
Philip Hoare, Balfour Beatty group chief executive, said: “In my first week as Balfour Beatty’s group chief executive, I’m proud to announce this latest appointment – a strong endorsement of our growing presence and capability in the UK defence market, one of our four key strategic growth markets.
“This success builds on our proven track record supporting Rolls-Royce at Raynesway and our expertise in delivering complex, secure infrastructure in highly regulated environments. Our ongoing partnership with Rolls-Royce underscores the depth of our end-to-end capabilities and reinforces our commitment to delivering infrastructure of national importance to the UK.”
In February, Balfour Beatty appointed three executive committee group sector leads to focus on the group’s “core” UK growth markets, including energy, defence and transportation.
Nick Crossfield was appointed group sector lead of UK defence to oversee the contractor’s interest in this “evolving and critical market”, involving customers such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.
