Framatome
Proactive for Reactor Business
Framatome, a global leader in nuclear products and services with headquarters in France, has a rich history of over half a century in the Lynchburg, Virginia region. The company operates three significant sites in Lynchburg, including its fuel, installed base, and instrumentation and control (IC) business units.
Grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund facilitated by VEDP & City of Lynchburg
Virginia Economic Development PartnershipThe Lynchburg region’s unwavering commitment to business-community partnerships coupled with a passion for developing and supporting a highly skilled workforce has poised Framatome for unprecedented growth and positioned us all toward a sustainable clean energy future.
The Core for the Nuclear Industry
As one of the region’s largest employers, Framatome plays a vital role in the Lynchburg region economy. The company employs approximately 1,300 people in Lynchburg, contributing to a total of 2,300 employees across the U.S. The Mill Ridge Road facility spans 2,500 square meters and is a testament to the company’s substantial presence and operational capacity in the area.
In 2018, Framatome reaffirmed its commitment to the region by relocating its U.S. headquarters back to Lynchburg from North Carolina.
Collaboration in the Community
Framatome’s success in the Lynchburg region is significantly bolstered by its strategic access and collaboration with some of the best university programs in the country. In 2018, the company began collaborating with Liberty University at the Center for Energy Research and Education, ensuring a steady pipeline of engineering talent for the future. This partnership highlights Framatome’s dedication to fostering innovation and nurturing new talent in the region. In 2023, the company began a partnership with Central Virginia Community College on a workforce training program with plans to invest $400,000 into the program between 2023-2027.
Framatome has shown a deep commitment to the Lynchburg community beyond its business operations as well. The company actively partners with arts and civic organizations, supports education initiatives, especially in STEM programs, serves on various boards, and encourages its employees to volunteer across different programs. This involvement underscores Framatome’s role as a community-oriented organization dedicated to regional development and well-being.
Expanding Virginia’s Atomic Landscape
In 2023, Framatome announced an investment of $49.4 million to expand, modernize, and enhance its facilities in Lynchburg. This expansion will create over 500 new jobs and help meet the increased demand for servicing existing nuclear power plants and developing solutions for advanced and small modular reactors.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) collaborated with the City of Lynchburg to secure this project, aided by a $5 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund. Support for Framatome’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners.
Framatome’s enduring presence and continued investment in the Lynchburg region underscore the power of collaboration in a welcoming business environment. By leveraging local talent, fostering academic partnerships, and harnessing the support of institutions like the City of Lynchburg, VEDP, and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Framatome continues to find success at the edge of the Blue Ridge.