Recognition by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) underscores the surface finishing specialist’s leadership in the sector. BEP Surface Technologies, the electroplating and surface finishing specialist, is targeting growth in the nuclear sector after being regranted Fit for Nuclear (F4N) status.
F4N is a UK-based programme designed to help companies in the nuclear supply chain prepare for and demonstrate their readiness to work in the industry. It has been developed by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and supported by top-tier partners, including the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
BEP, based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, successfully completed its first F4N journey in 2021, following rigorous assessment and business improvements, demonstrating that it meets the highest quality, safety, and reliability standards.
The company has now passed a new set of assessments and been regranted F4N status which lasts for three years.
BEP joins a select group of companies positioned to support the UK’s government’s ambition for a new generation of plants to generate up to 24 Gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2050, to cover 25% of projected electricity demand [1].
F4N status cements the company’s global standing as a trusted partner in the nuclear industry. BEP has previously collaborated with the UK government and Nuclear AMRC to develop pioneering, cutting-edge technologies and processes for copper-coating canisters in long-term safe nuclear waste containment. It also offers consultancy services to establish in-country processes and collaborates with nuclear waste management organisations in Canada and Europe.
Commenting on the achievement, Andrew McClusky, Managing Director of BEP Surface Technologies, said: “Being regranted F4N status underlines BEP Surface Technologies’ continued commitment to delivering exceptional service to the sector both now and in the future.
“I am immensely proud of our team’s dedication and hard work in achieving F4N recognition,” McClusky added. “This milestone underscores our steadfastness to excellence and positions BEP as a trusted partner within the nuclear supply chain, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, BEP remains resolute in delivering innovative coating solutions that uphold the highest quality, safety, and reliability standards. With F4N status, we set new benchmarks for excellence and innovation, driving transformative growth for the coating industry within the nuclear sector.”
Liz Gregory, Supply Chain & Skills Director at the Nuclear AMRC, said: “I’d like to congratulate the BEP team on renewing their Fit For Nuclear status, which demonstrates a long-term commitment to business excellence and continuous improvement. Nuclear customers demand very high standards in areas such as quality management and safety culture, and BEP have demonstrated that they have what it takes across their operations.”
Central to BEP’s success was implementing various strategic initiatives to foster collaboration, innovation, and employee empowerment. Establishing specialised teams, including a Continual Improvement Group, empowered employees to drive business improvements autonomously, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Connor Gill, Quality Manager at BEP Surface Technologies, who oversaw the F4N process, said: “Achieving F4N status encompassed typical areas such as strategy, leadership, design, quality and project management, but it uniquely emphasised the importance of people, process excellence, and fostering a strong health and safety culture within the organisation. At BEP, our employees are central to our operations, and our focus on these factors enabled us to meet the criteria effectively.”
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