September 26, 2025. BWXT officials announced today the company will expand its operations in Unicoi County, TN.
BWXT will create 198 jobs and invest $122 million in Erwin, Tennessee, at its Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. facility, as it grows its capabilities in support of national defense needs. Nuclear Fuel Services has operated in Erwin since the 1950s and manufactures nuclear fuel material for naval reactors used in U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers.
Today’s announcement marks the state’s ninth project that will utilize grant dollars from the Nuclear Energy Fund, which assists nuclear power-related businesses choosing to relocate or grow in the Volunteer State and supports the state’s universities and research institutions in further developing their nuclear education programs. BWXT was awarded dollars from the Nuclear Energy Fund earlier this year for its expansion to Oak Ridge.
The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $10 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during both the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, bringing the fund’s total to $70 million since its inception.
QUOTES
“Tennessee is well-positioned to lead America’s nuclear renaissance, and I’m proud to announce BWXT’s expansion in East Tennessee. This project, supported by dollars from the Nuclear Energy Fund, will further strengthen our state’s nuclear ecosystem and create greater opportunity and prosperity for our highly skilled workforce.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“This project marks another significant investment in Tennessee’s growing nuclear ecosystem. In September alone, we’ve seen announced over 1,000 new jobs and nearly $2 billion in commitments from nuclear companies. Additionally, as Unicoi County continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, today’s news brings renewed hope and opportunity for the local economy and workforce. I sincerely thank BWXT for its continued investment in Tennessee and its confidence in our talented workforce.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“BWXT is proud to announce a $122 million investment in Erwin, Tennessee. This project will create 198 good-paying jobs and strengthen our longstanding commitment to this community, which Nuclear Fuel Services has proudly called home since the 1950s. We are excited to enter into this partnership with the State of Tennessee and to bring even more opportunities to local families while contributing to the region’s economic vitality and our nation’s energy security.” – Ron Daily, president, BWXT Nuclear Fuel Services
