Nuclear industry buyers have a new tool for identifying nuclear-ready suppliers with the launch of F4N Connect.
F4N Connect is a fully-searchable online database of UK manufacturers who have demonstrated their ability to meet the expectations of the civil nuclear industry. All listed companies have been granted Fit For Nuclear status after successfully completing the flagship supplier development programme run by the Nuclear AMRC.
Helen Arthur, supply chain development programme manager at the Nuclear AMRC, says: “F4N Connect is designed to help nuclear buyers find suppliers they can trust to meet their specific requirements. Whether you need a nuclear-qualified fabricator in the South West, a precision machinist near Sellafield, or a choice of companies who can quote for a complex heat exchanger, F4N Connect will let you find and contact suppliers who can do the job.
“With Horizon Nuclear Power moving ahead with new build on Anglesey after securing approval for the ABWR, EDF Energy well underway with Hinkley Point C, and the continuing decommissioning programme around the UK, there are huge opportunities for manufacturers who can demonstrate that they’re ready to win work in nuclear.
“Fit For Nuclear has become the industry benchmark for nuclear-ready manufacturers, with hundreds of companies across the UK using the programme to enhance their capabilities and business performance. F4N Connect gives them an independent shop window, and lets them show potential customers exactly what they can offer.”
Delivered exclusively by the Nuclear AMRC – part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult – Fit For Nuclear (F4N) lets UK manufacturers measure their operations against the standards required to supply the nuclear industry, and take the necessary steps to close any gaps.
More than 130 UK manufacturers have been granted F4N after driving improvements with the support of the Nuclear AMRC’s industrial advisors and nuclear supply chain specialists.
Participating companies range from contract manufacturers with no nuclear experience taking a first step into the sector, to established suppliers wanting to benchmark their position and drive business excellence. Most are SMEs operating at tier three or four of the nuclear supply chain, ranging from suppliers of nuclear-grade steels and forgings, to precision machinists, fabricators and specialist service providers.
The interactive F4N Connect portal allows companies working on nuclear projects (typically at tier two or three) to find suppliers and sub-contractors to meet their specific needs. Companies can search by:
- Capabilities
- Products & services
- Facilities – machining, welding & cladding, inspection & testing, design
- Sectors
- Region
F4N-granted companies can also use their F4N Connect profiles to provide additional information about their products, accreditations and capabilities, including testimonials and case studies.
Listings are freely available to all companies which have been granted F4N. The database is independently managed by the Nuclear AMRC as a service to F4N companies – companies cannot pay for placement.
More than 65 F4N-granted companies completed their full profile before launch, with others in progress.
- F4N Connect: connect.f4n.namrc.co.uk
