27th November 2023
WEST Cumbria’s nuclear capabilities are poised to make a significant impact as a delegation of key industry leaders from the region prepare to showcase their cutting-edge technologies at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris.
The three-day event, starting on November 28, brings together prominent stakeholders, innovators, and experts from across the globe to discuss and explore the latest advancements in the nuclear sector.
Led by the Department for Business and Trade, the Northern Powerhouse delegation includes: Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH), PAR Systems (UK) Ltd, McMenon, James Walker, FIS360, Nuclear Transport Solutions, Barrnon and Oakwood Engineering Solutions.
The contingent represent the region’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaborative progress within the nuclear technology sphere.
John Maddison, Managing Director of the Industrial Solutions Hub based in Cleator Moor, says the role of iSH is to represent and highlight the capability of the West Cumbrian supply chain, acting as a voice for the businesses and academic institutions unable to attend themselves.
John said: “West Cumbria has long been a hub for nuclear excellence, and our participation in the World Nuclear Exhibition underscores our commitment to advancing the industry globally. This is a chance to showcase West Cumbrian capability to a global market.
“West Cumbria has a diverse and well established skills base geared towards decommissioning. That learning and innovation can be used and harnessed elsewhere with our knowledge and learning shared across the world. The goal is to bring back collaboration opportunities for the SMEs who so ably support our nuclear services.”
PAR Systems (UK) Ltd is an advanced engineering company specialising in remote and material handling solutions for the nuclear industry.
Managing Direction John McGibbon said: “We are delighted to be participating at this year’s event as part of the UK Pavilion. We look forward to showcasing our specialist expertise in remote/material handling systems; manipulator systems for in-cell operations; maintenance, site support and upgrade of nuclear cranes and decommissioning applications for the nuclear industry.”
McMenon, known globally for its expertise in flow and measurement instrumentation, will also be at the forefront of the exhibition. Anand Puthran, McMenon CEO, speaking ahead of the event, said: “As we navigate the currents of growth and diversification, attending the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris marks a pivotal step in our journey.
“We are not just showcasing our prowess in providing flow and temperature measurement instrumentation for nuclear projects, but also highlighting the crucial role we can play in this dynamic industry.
“It’s about more than presence it is a commitment to fostering collaborations, exploring new horizons, and solidifying McMenon Engineering’s position as a key player in the civil nuclear landscape.”
James Walker, a leading provider of sealing solutions, will demonstrate the crucial role of reliable engineering in nuclear applications. Mark Brook, James Walker Manufacturing Director who will be attending WNE as part of the delegation, said: “Although James Walker has been supplying sealing solutions to the nuclear industry for many years, applications are constantly developing. We want to make sure that our materials and expertise are considered in these cases, so I will be using the visit to WNE to carry out research into key application opportunities and to try to identify companies we may be able to partner with in developing solutions to new challenges.”
FIS360, specialising in technology commercialisation and delivery of innovation programmes, aims to contribute its expertise to the global nuclear community. Frank Allison, CEO of FIS360 said: “FIS360’s participation at the World Nuclear Exhibition is an opportunity to highlight the importance of innovation and how it shapes the future of nuclear advancement. Our aim is to foster active connections, share insights and explore collaborative partnerships, ultimately contributing to the collective growth of and innovation within the nuclear sector.”
The World Nuclear Exhibition provides an invaluable platform for these West Cumbrian entities to forge international partnerships, share knowledge, and contribute to the global conversation on the future of nuclear energy.
The delegation’s presence at the exhibition is a testament to West Cumbria’s status as a hub for nuclear innovation and expertise. The delegation will be based at the UK & EIC (Energy Industries Council) Pavilion at the 5th WNE – World Nuclear Exhibition in Villepinte, Paris from 28-30 November.
Editor’s notes
iSH’s mission is to enable businesses, industry, academia and communities to come together in collaboration to create jobs, enhance skills, and create clear pathways into employment for the next generation.
It aims to sell West Cumbria capability across the rest of the UK and the world, bringing a range of economic and social benefits to communities in West Cumbria through projects which will have a positive impact on people, the economy, and the environment.
An iSH Enterprise Campus (iEC) at Leconfield, Cleator Moor, will anchor the evolving business cluster in West Cumbria. This campus is currently being developed in two phases and involves significant funding support from the Government’s Towns Fund (£22.5m) and Levelling Up Fund (£20m), alongside support from Sellafield, the NDA and Cumberland Council.