The NNA strengthens its commitment to manufacturing, signing a new MoU with government-backed research and technology organisation, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, to strengthen engagement with manufacturers across the nuclear sector.

The Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA) has expanded its manufacturing focus through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). The partnership will strengthen the voice of North West manufacturers and bring organisations together to support a stronger and more connected nuclear supply chain.

The agreement marks a significant step in the NNA’s growing focus on manufacturing, recognising the important role manufacturers play across the nuclear supply chain. The newly established manufacturing sub-group will bring together organisations to share expertise, strengthen collaboration and support greater engagement between the manufacturing and nuclear sectors.

The sub-group will be chaired by MTC’s Andrew Bowfield. This presents an opportunity for members to shape the group’s priorities from the outset, reflecting the important role manufacturers already play across the region. The sub-group will provide a dedicated forum for both existing and prospective manufacturing members.

The NNA Chair, Rachel O’Donnell, said: We are delighted to strengthen the NNA’s focus on manufacturing and to develop this strategic relationship with MTC. This collaboration will help ensure we represent the full breadth of our members and the market opportunities across the nuclear supply chain.

MTC Andrew Bowfield, said: The UK’s nuclear ambitions depend on a strong, innovative and connected manufacturing base. Through this partnership with the Northern Nuclear Alliance, MTC can help both new and established nuclear manufacturers to identify opportunities, accelerate innovation and strengthen the supply chain capability needed to support new nuclear, fusion and decommissioning programmes. By bringing industry together around shared challenges and opportunities, we can build the skills, technologies and industrial capacity required to secure the long-term success of the UK nuclear sector.

The NNA represents more than 100 organisations across Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester and Liverpool, bringing together businesses from across the nuclear supply chain through regular events, roundtables and working groups.

Recent NNA initiatives have included a strategic partnership with Net Zero North West, participation in Nuclear Week in Parliament and a programme of industry engagement events designed to connect organisations across the nuclear supply chain.

As the NNA expands its manufacturing focus, manufacturers across the region are invited to join a growing community of organisations working together to support the continued success of the North West nuclear sector.