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In a move that underscores the UK’s commitment to advancing its nuclear capabilities, Rolls-Royce is embarking on a substantial expansion of its Raynesway facility in Derby. This strategic site serves as the epicenter for the design, construction, and support of Royal Navy submarine reactors. The announcement comes as part of a broader push to bolster the British submarine industry, with significant investments from both the UK and Australian governments.
As a testament to the magnitude of this expansion, Rolls-Royce will double the area dedicated to manufacturing and office space, bringing the total to over 100,000 square meters. This influx of space will enable the recruitment of 1,170 skilled personnel, adding to the existing workforce of over 5,500 employees. The Derby site is poised to become an even more pivotal hub for the UK’s submarine reactor program.
The financial backing for these developments is substantial, with Australia committing £2.4 billion over a 10-year period to support the UK’s submarine industry. Furthermore, Australia has provided an additional £310 million for long-lead propulsion items. In the UK, Rolls-Royce is set to benefit from a £9 billion contract as part of the Unity program, while the British government has allocated £6 billion or more in the current parliamentary term to boost capacity in both Barrow and Derby.
To ensure a steady supply of skilled labor, Rolls-Royce is also investing in its workforce development initiatives. The company’s Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby will train 200 apprentices annually, with 800 current enrolments. This program is a critical component of the UK’s broader effort to build a capable and well-qualified workforce to support the country’s growing nuclear industry.
The significance of this expansion cannot be overstated, as Rolls-Royce will be tasked with supporting not only the four Dreadnought SSBNs currently under construction but also up to 12 UK SSN-AUKUS boats and up to 8 Australian SSN-AUKUS vessels. A notable indicator of this program’s progress is the fact that a UK defense minister has already witnessed the manufacturing of the fifth SSN-AUKUS reactor, a testament to the company’s forward momentum.
Notably, Rolls-Royce is already manufacturing reactor hardware for submarines that will not enter service until the late 2030s and 2040s. This forward-thinking approach underscores the UK’s commitment to investing in its nuclear capabilities and its willingness to make long-term investments in this critical area of defense production.