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Amec Foster Wheeler wins £35m nuclear research contract with MOD

Engineering firm Amec Foster Wheeler has secured a £35m research and technology contract with the Ministry of Defence which it said would sustain 70 jobs at two of its key UK sites.

The contract, which is part of the MOD’s Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme (NNPP), is worth around £35m over the next five years.

According to the UK multinational, which is a major employer in the North West, the agreement will pose a boon to its offices and laboratories in Warrington and Dorchester, where its technicians and experts will carry out analysis and laboratory testing as part of the contract.

Clive White, President of Amec Foster Wheeler Clean Energy, commented: “We are valued for our technical expertise, comprehensive laboratory and analytical resources, strong relationships with academia, and best-in-class project and programme management.

“We are proud to serve this vital national programme, continuing the important work we have done for many years.”

The agreement builds on the support that Amec has provided to the NNPP over the last few years, and entails exploratory research and development work on technologies including materials performance, materials science, thermal hydraulics amongst others.

Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin hailed the agreement and said: “Long-term investment in innovative research and technology like this is absolutely essential to ensuring that Britain’s nuclear programme remains cutting-edge.

“Underpinned by the UK’s rising Defence budget and £178 billion ten-year equipment plan, this new deal will help protect Britain and secure scores of highly skilled jobs in Warrington and Dorset.”

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