Holtec Britain, a leading company in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and a finalist in the Great British Nuclear SMR competition, has chosen Gateway-East near Doncaster-Sheffield Airport as the preferred site for its new UK factory. The company is now entering detailed talks with Peel Land, the developer of the site.
This decision has been warmly welcomed by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones, local Labour MP Lee Pitcher, and leaders from the industry. The announcement comes shortly after the Prime Minister confirmed £30 million in funding to reopen Doncaster-Sheffield Airport. Since its closure in 2022, local officials and businesses have campaigned to reopen the airport to boost growth in the region.
Holtec evaluated 13 locations across the UK before choosing South Yorkshire. The company has operated in the UK for nearly 30 years. Within South Yorkshire, Gateway-East was selected over two other shortlisted sites. The location offers 80 hectares of land next to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, ideal for development.
Factory Plans and Economic Impact
The planned factory is central to Holtec’s UK strategy. Analysis by Bradshaw Advisory, using former Government Green-Book economists, estimates the factory will add £1.8 billion in economic value over 20 years. This includes £1.5 billion from the factory itself and £300 million from professional engineering and technical services related to SMR deployment. The project is expected to create 3,600 construction jobs, over 16,000 supply chain jobs, and 3,000 unionised engineering jobs during this period.
This new facility will give the UK a ‘first mover advantage’ in a growing global market for SMR components, which are worth billions. The factory will produce two SMR units each year, with half of these units intended for export. Holtec’s SMR uses a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR), the most common type worldwide. This is the same technology used at Hinkley Point C, helping to build consistent supply chains and develop skilled workers in the UK.
Earlier this month, Holtec Britain’s director Gareth Thomas and senior advisor Dame Julia King visited the site. They also went to Sheffield Forgemasters to sign the UK Steel Charter.
Holtec Britain plans to use 70% UK content in its nuclear, clean energy, and defence projects. The company has gained strong support, signing agreements with the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, Sheffield Forgemasters, the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Holtec is also in talks with trade unions including the GMB, Prospect, and Community.
Driving an Industrial Renaissance
Gareth Thomas said, “Holtec’s new advanced manufacturing facility in Doncaster will spark an industrial renaissance in the UK. We are creating thousands of local jobs, attracting foreign investment, opening a new export market, and helping to rebuild South Yorkshire’s industry. Our partnerships with firms from the US, UK, Korea, and Japan will strengthen international ties, while supporting clean energy and lowering energy bills.”
He added, “The reopening of Doncaster-Sheffield Airport brings great potential to this site. We are finalising the factory business plan as we prepare for our final investment decision. We are proud to support Britain’s industrial base by working closely with trade unions and UK industry partners.”
Stephen Wild, managing director of Peel Land, said, “Holtec’s announcement marks a key milestone for South Yorkshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone at Gateway-East. It will speed up the creation of high-value jobs at the Innovation Quarter in Doncaster. We look forward to working with Holtec, Doncaster Council, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and other partners to make this project a success.”
