Columbia Standard

Westinghouse, a leading global supplier of safe and innovative nuclear technology, is expanding its nuclear fuel operations in Richland County, Gov. Henry McMaster's (R) office announced Dec. 15.

The company will invest $131 million in in the Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility (CFFF). The facility "houses fuel manufacturing, product engineering, testing laboratories and fuel marketing and contract administration," the news release said.

About 10% of all electricity in the U.S. is produced from nuclear fuel manufactured at CFFF.

“South Carolina continues to show that we truly are the place to do business, and this $131 million investment is a further testament to that," McMaster said, according to his news release. "We’ve worked hard to provide in-state businesses with a highly trained workforce that meets their demands, and because of that, we are finding success.”

The project will include upgrades to equipment and procedures and enhancements of pollution prevention systems and controls. It will also expand automation and digitalization, which will improve inspection capabilities and product quality.

Westinghouse’s commitment includes upgrades to equipment and procedures, increasing the company’s capacity and future growth. It will also enhance the facility’s pollution prevention systems and controls. This investment helps expand automation and digitalization, which will improve inspection capabilities and product quality.

“We believe this investment is a critical element of our long-term  growth and risk reduction strategy to better serve and protect our customers, community and employees," Westinghouse Vice President of Columbia Fuel Operations Michael Annacone said, according to the news release. "We are very grateful for the  continued support of Richland County and the state of South Carolina in this effort and throughout our 52-year history in the region.”