Rolls-Royce Submarines (RRS) is expanding its Derby manufacturing site to meet growing demand for reactors for the UK’s next generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines.<\/p>\n
The expansion will add more than 100,000m2 of new manufacturing and office facilities to the firm\u2019s Raynesway site in Derby. A move that is estimated to create over 1,170 skilled roles across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering, plus hundreds more across the supply chain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u2019s at this site where RRS designs, builds and supports the nuclear reactors that power every Royal Navy submarine. The UK\u2019s next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine programme, known as SSN-AUKUS, will see the construction of the largest and most powerful attack submarines the Royal Navy has ever operated.<\/p>\n
RRS first announced plans for the Raynesway expansion in 2023 following the launch of the AUKUS pact<\/a> – a security agreement between Australia, the UK and the US to support the development of Australian submarines that RRS will provide the reactors for.<\/p>\n It also signed a \u00a39bn deal <\/a>with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) last year to build nuclear reactors for the UK\u2019s submarine fleet. In response to this increased demand, the firm said it would need to double the size<\/a> of its Raynesway site.<\/p>\n RRS currently supports the existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through the delivery of reactors and associated components. The SSN-AUKUS attack submarines will eventually succeed the Astute class.<\/p>\n Abi Clayton, president of RRS, said: \u201cBreaking ground is a significant step forward in the critical growth of our business. This expansion will more than double the size of our manufacturing facility, strengthening our capability and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.\u201d<\/p>\n Defence minister Lord Coaker said: \u201cThe expansion of the Rolls-Royce site is a clear demonstration of the government\u2019s commitment to the UK\u2019s nuclear deterrent. Witnessing the manufacturing of the fifth SSSN-AUKUS reactor and the hundreds of apprentices in action was inspiring \u2013 seeing defence investment creating jobs, driving growth, and keeping the UK safe.”<\/p>\n