 |
|
USEC has custom built most of the components for the American Centrifuge testing and prototype machines assembled thus far. For the AC100 machines to be used in the commercial plant, USEC will outsource the manufacturing to high-volume fabrication experts.
In late 2006, USEC began working with its suppliers to transfer the technology. This technology transfer will continue as USEC and its suppliers prepare manufacturing capacity for the classified components and carbon fiber rotor fabrication and transfer responsibility for rotor balancing.
In Babcock & Wilcox, Major Tool and Machine, ATK and Honeywell International, USEC believes it has a highly qualified, strong team. As they gain manufacturing experience, these industry leaders will integrate changes, implement improvements to the machine design and work to lower the capital cost per machine.
As the integrated testing program of the Lead Cascade continues, USEC and its suppliers will be developing manufacturing infrastructure and capacity to position the suppliers to be prepared for high-volume manufacturing in 2010. USEC and its suppliers are working to be in a position to assemble several hundred machines per month from 2010 through 2012.
This manufacturing and assembly work will take place primarily at the American Centrifuge Technology and Manufacturing Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and at other facilities in West Virginia, Indiana and Ohio and will result in hundreds of American high-tech manufacturing jobs in more than a dozen states.