Laker to supply Bruce Power with new components valued at as much as $35M
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Ontario's nuclear suppliers set for new work as Bruce kicks off procurement bonanza
The ‘A’ turbine hall at Bruce nuclear in Tiverton, Ont. PHOTO Bruce Power
BURLINGTON, Ont.—The Dec. 3 agreement between Bruce Power and the government of Ontario has set the 2020 refurbishment of the Tiverton, Ont. nuclear station in motion—and it’s also about to create a significant amount of work for many of the province’s nuclear component manufacturers.
Following the $13 billion deal, Bruce Power and Laker Energy Products have entered into an agreement to start the procurement process for components integral to the nuclear station’s retrofit. Laker will produce a range of components, including end fittings, liners and feeder pipes for Bruce Power’s Unit 6, which is scheduled to undergo refurbishment in 2020.
“Laker Energy is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to be part of one of the largest nuclear manufacturing projects in Canadian history,” Chris Hughes, president of Laker Energy Products, said. “Ontario’s nuclear industry has a bright future, and this is very good news for not only Laker but the Burlington and Oakville communities providing the potential for long-term jobs and investment.”
The two companies said the deal will be valued at between $25 million and $35 million and could “lay the ground work” for additional business for Laker over the 20-year refurbishment project. Bruce Power noted the project will require more than $120 million in spending on the same components for the station’s other reactors.
Laker has significant experience with CANDU technology, serving the sub-sector exclusively. It has manufacturing plants in Burlington as well as Oakville.
“Together, with strong suppliers like Laker Energy Products, Bruce Power will continue to produce over 30 per cent of Ontario’s power at 30 per cent less than the average price of electricity,” Duncan Hawthorne, Bruce Power’s president and CEO, said. “I also believe that as we continue to successfully deliver this incremental investment program with Laker that we will also create a strong foundation here in Ontario to allow firms like Laker to continue to win work internationally.”
Meanwhile, as the nuclear component booms gets underway, BWXT Canada and Bruce Power have agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding that will see the manufacturer build steam generators for the nuclear plant, a contract valued at as much as $500 million.
