Nuclear Fuel Services to invest $122M, 198 jobs in Erwin

Officials announced Friday that $122 million will be invested into the Nuclear Fuel Services facility in Erwin, a move that will create 198 new jobs in Unicoi County.Before making the announcement, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter reflected on the county's recovery from last year's flooding."This is just a special part of our state, and today is a day to reflect on the devastation that occurred, not just here but in the state and our friends in neighboring states that saw so much devastation," he said. "The recovery is remarkable. I think we're still learning about ourselves and about our community and our leadership, but you all, particularly right here in Erwin, you got after it, you came together and the recovery is admirable."He then delivered the news that drew state and local leaders together in Erwin."It is my honor on, behalf of Governor Lee, to announce that BWXT will be investing $122 million and creating 198 new jobs right here in Erwin in its Nuclear Fuel Services facility."McWhorter said the project reflects Tennessee's growing role in the nuclear energy sector."We actually have more in the queue, if you look at it from a capital expenditure perspective, it's close to $10 billion of potential projects," he said. "We are, as a state, going to lead the world in this."He pointed to the broader growth across the region in recent years."We've announced more than 50 projects over six and a half years, 50 projects, 4,500 new jobs, and $1.2 billion dollars in capital investments that's right here in Northeast Tennessee. There's a lot going on, and you all are part of that, and we want to just applaud you all for your contribution to that."Nuclear Fuel Services President Ron Dailey tied the announcement to the challenges the community faced after Tropical Storm Helene."As we reflected on the crisis and how best to help this community, one thing that you always want to look back on is where you can create some stable financial stream for the community," he said. "What is in our hands to do as BWXT and Nuclear Fuel Services is to partner with the state on the nuclear energy initiative, and to bring jobs to a facility that has been in place since 1950 here in Unicoi County."Dailey said the investment offers both stability and opportunity for the community."It has been a strong relationship with both the county and the state, and we really appreciate that," he said. "We want to add to that with the work that we have going on. We are announcing the creation of 198 jobs, which I think is fantastic. That is part of that capital investment. It is not just capital coming to the community, it is stable, well-paying jobs and working in an environment that is focused on safe and secure operations for the betterment of the community and the public. So we appreciate the partnership and appreciate what it has meant to this community and particularly over the last year."Erwin Utilities President Lee Brown agreed the timing of the announcement made it especially meaningful."It is an absolute honor for me to be here today and celebrate 198 new jobs," he said. "365 days ago, we didn't know what was happening, but this community is resilient. We saw the worst of mother nature, but we saw the best in every human being in our community and from outside. That's something to be celebrated."Brown said the investment strengthens not only the local economy but also the future of the region."We're creating opportunities, stability and a broader future for our community, the region and our children — for everybody who calls this place home," he said.Brown reflected on the challenges in recent years as well as the history of how this project came to fruition. He recounted historical milestones, including George L. Carter's vision to bring a railroad to Erwin and his own family's connection to the Clinchfield Railroad, to illustrate the area's long-standing industrial roots. Brown highlighted setbacks over the years, from CSX's 2015 closure announcement to the challenges of COVID and natural disasters, noting how the community has repeatedly overcome obstacles.He closed by framing the project as part of a shared mission to rebuild and grow stronger."Our mission is building a brighter future for the community," Brown said. "Never has it been any more important than today. What we're doing is about building a thriving future, for our community, for our children, for our future. And I see it happening all around us."