Keighley Labs sees opportunities in nuclear supply chain

The UK is preparing for its largest ever investment in nuclear new-build as a means of meeting Europe's target of producing 30% of its electricity from this source by 2020. Energy companies are planning to build up to 16 GW of new nuclear power capacity and bodies like the Nuclear Industry Association are inviting UK engineering companies, from Tier 1 technology suppliers to specialist SMEs, to become part of the nuclear supply chain. In line with NIA requirements that there should be adherence to appropriate quality standards throughout the supply chain, Keighley Labs complies with BS EN 9100 and ISO9001 for the heat treatment of metals and the aerospace standard AS9100; it is also accredited to UKAS Metallurgical Laboratory ISO/IEC 17025 standard and carries out NDT inspections to relevant BS EN 571, BS EN ISO 9934-1, BS EN 10160 and BS EN 1714 specifications. Individual experts within the company are NDT qualified to PCN Level 2 and Level 3, CAA Chapter A8-10 weld specimen supervisors and members both of the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. The company has also registered its capabilities with lead research body Nuclear AMRC and is a member of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum technology network, underlining its active interest in pursuing opportunities in the UK civil nuclear manufacturing supply chain. "We are aware that Keighley Laboratories will be a relatively small cog in the nuclear supply chain, but feel that our metallurgical services have a role to play in an industry sector where the integrity and durability of metal components, machining techniques and welded joints is paramount. Our independent status and one-stop-shop facilities, combined with fast turnaround times, are also relevant to companies looking to ensure compliance with exacting standards governing the supply of nuclear components," said commercial manager, Leonard Stott. "We already work with some of the Tier 1 primes and have considerable experience of meeting the standards of nuclear and renewable energy companies," he continued. "Later this year, we shall also start construction of new buildings and facilities, with a view to positioning ourselves at the cutting edge of sub-contract heat treatment and metallurgical solutions."