Stainless Metalcraft secures £1m Sharing in Growth funding

A Cambridgeshire manufacturer has secured nearly £1m investment to develop its position in the civil nuclear supply chain over the next three years.

Stainless Metalcraft, which is based in Chatteris and employs 162 people, has secured the funding from the Civil Nuclear Sharing in Growth (CN SIG) programme – a Government-backed scheme to boost the UK’s civil nuclear supply chain – following a three-month assessment period.

The company currently employs 162 people and already manufactures vessels, tanks and heat exchangers for nuclear clients including Sellafield and Rolls-Royce. It will now put in place a programme of investment and training to develop its offer, positioning the business to take advantage of growth across the civil nuclear sector.

Austen Adams, managing director of Metalcraft, said: “We’re delighted with the decision of the CN SIG board to invest in Metalcraft’s operations and are looking forward to working with them to take this part of our business onto the next level.

“The initial assessment identified a number of areas of strength across the business and we are already taking steps to maximise these, as well as working to strengthen areas of our business where there is potential for real improvements.

“What is particularly pleasing is that, by approving this investment, the CN SIG Board has not only actively recognised our potential to become a significant player in the UK’s nuclear industry but has also demonstrated its confidence in our team to deliver results.

“With Government policy clearing the way for investment in new civil nuclear energy plants, we’re excited by the potential to develop our position in this important market, creating valuable training and employment opportunities for local people as we do so.”

Stainless Metalcraft is now working with the CN SIG team to implement a bespoke programme of training and investment at the site. Running until the end of 2017, it will facilitate investment in new technology, processes and equipment, as well as essential skills development across every level of the business.   

CN SIG is managed by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) with support from industry leaders including Rolls-Royce, and part-funded by the Regional Growth Fund. The programme aims to develop the UK manufacturing supply chain for civil nuclear – in new build, operations and decommissioning – and help UK companies win work in the nuclear industry at home and overseas.