Holtec signs UK Steel Charter to back Britain’s industrial base with industry and union leaders

The move follows a series of major UK investment plans by Holtec—America’s largest exporter of nuclear components—including a £1.5bn GVA factory in South Yorkshire. Holtec Britain aims to use 70% UK content in its nuclear, clean energy and defence programmes, and has signed agreements with supply chain partners from Sheffield Forgemasters, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the Manufacturing Technology Centre and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

The UK Steel Charter signing event brought together prominent industry and union leaders. Holtec Britain’s Director Gareth Thomas, sat alongside Dame Julia King, Holtec’s Senior Advisor (and Chair of the Climate Change Committee’s Adaptation Sub-Committee), UK Steel Director General Gareth Stace, Community Union Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid, GMB National Offi cer for Construction, Steel and Manufacturing Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, and GMB National Secretary Andy Prendergast.

By signing the charter, Holtec pledges to maximise its use of UK-produced steel in its operations, bringing signifi cant economic and industrial benefi ts to both the region and the nation. UK steel will be integral to Holtec’s UK deployment of its SMR-300 technology, with 5GW of advanced pressurised water reactor capacity planned by 2050.

Holtec’s proposed manufacturing facility in South Yorkshire will maximise the use of UK steel for SMR component manufacturing, revitalising the area’s industrial base by creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and unlocking an export market worth billions—which the UK will leverage as a fi rst mover.

Gareth Thomas, Director at Holtec Britain, said:

“Today is yet another statement of Holtec’s commitment to the UK – not only to deliver clean, secure, and homegrown energy, but to strengthen and grow Britain’s industrial base. UK steel will play a vital role in our nuclear, clean energy and defence programmes.

Britain has a historic industrial heritage and world leading nuclear sector. We are proud to invest in its future by supporting local manufacturing, high-skilled unionised jobs and a resilient supply chain. Holtec is now fi nalising the factory business plan to support its Final Investment Decision.”

Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Holtec Britain to the growing list of signatories of the UK Steel Charter. Holtec’s plans to establish an SMR manufacturing base in South Yorkshire align perfectly with the Charter’s goals of boosting local supply chains and maximising the use of British-made steel. Their commitment is a major vote of confi dence in the UK steel sector and the wider industrial capabilities of the region.”