Richland site continues its standard of excellence

Framatome’s fuel manufacturing facility in Richland, Wash., was recently recognized by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its commitment to safety and continuous improvement during its biennial Licensee and Performance Review (LPR), noting that ‘no area needing improvement’ was identified for the subjected areas during the review.

The NRC review confirmed that between Jan. 1, 2016, and Dec. 31, 2017, the Richland fuel facility met all compliance and regulatory requirements with no areas identified for improvement. The facility has sustained this rating since August 2006 – that’s 12 years running with safety and operational excellence!

“Achieving this accomplishment and recognition by the NRC demonstrates our Fuel team’s commitment to maintaining the highest regulatory and safety standards in the industry,” said Framatome President and CEO, Gary Mignogna.

Framatome’s performance was evaluated in four major areas: safety operations, radiological controls, facility support, and other areas.

The sustained excellence at the Richland facility is attributed to many factors including continuous improvement using the Lean philosophy, problem identification, and rigorous human performance standards.

“Six consecutive NRC reviews, spanning 12 years, deserves the highest level of recognition and everyone who made this accomplishment possible should be proud,” said Ron Land, Richland Site Manager. “This exemplary review by the NRC is a testament to our safety culture and commitment to continuous improvement.”

Framatome’s Richland site is a state-of-the art nuclear fuel manufacturing facility, with nearly 50 years of proven experience and expertise. The facility continues to invest in its products and its people, providing nuclear fuel products and related components and services for commercial pressurized water reactor and boiling water reactor customers worldwide. Fuel produced in Richland accounts for five percent of the electricity generated in the United States. In the past two years, the Richland site manufactured more than 175 million pellets and almost 4,500 fuel assemblies.

The Richland facility employs nearly 600 people who are committed to Operational Excellence and the communities where they live and work.