Rolls-Royce starts Raynesway site expansion to double submarine reactor manufacturing capacity for UK and Australian programmes
Rolls-Royce Submarines has officially broken ground and started foundational work on a new manufacturing facility at its Raynesway site in Derby. The work forms part of a wider plan to double the size of the entire site.
The expansion will help meet increased demand from the UK and Australian Royal Navies for current and future submarine programmes. More than 100,000m2 of new manufacturing and office facilities will be built, creating 1,170 skilled roles across disciplines including manufacturing and engineering.
The ceremonial event brought together Minister of State for Defence Lord Coaker, Rolls-Royce Submarines President Abi Clayton and Commodore Alistair Moody, Director for Nuclear Propulsion at the Submarine Delivery Group. They dug the first ground together, reflecting the partnership behind the expansion and the significance of the programme.
During the visit, Lord Coaker also met Rolls-Royce nuclear welding apprentices who recently secured first, second, third and fourth place in the SkillWeld 26 East Midlands heats. Rolls-Royce said it was the first time all top-three places had been won by the same company.
SkillWeld is a national competition designed to showcase and benchmark trainee and apprentice welders. The achievement follows welding apprentice Jack Billingham being selected to represent Great Britain at the WorldSkills event in Japan.
Rolls-Royce announced in June 2023 that it planned to double the size of its Submarines site. The Raynesway facility designs and builds the nuclear reactors that power all Royal Navy submarines and helps maintain the UK’s continuous at sea nuclear deterrent.
Under the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the UK and the United States, Rolls-Royce will also provide reactors for future Australian SSN-AUKUS attack submarines. The expansion is intended to unlock additional manufacturing capacity and support the pace of submarine build programmes.
Abi Clayton, President – Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “Breaking 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.”
“Together with our trusted delivery partners, our commitment is to deliver this programme safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. This work will unlock much-needed manufacturing capacity on site, allowing us to enhance our delivery drumbeat to support the boat build programmes.”
Defence Minister Lord Coaker said: “The expansion of the Rolls-Royce site is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Witnessing the manufacturing of the fifth SSSN-AUKUS reactor and the hundreds of apprentices in action was inspiring – seeing defence investment creating jobs, driving growth, and keeping the UK safe.”
Commodore Alistair Moody, Director for Nuclear Propulsion at the Submarine Delivery Group, said: “The ongoing expansion work at Raynesway demonstrates the shared commitment of the UK and Australian governments to meet the ambitious pace of our submarine build programmes. Together, we are building the foundations for delivery to defend our nations for decades to come.”
“The significant nuclear enterprise investment confirmed in the DIP reflects the UK’s unwavering commitment to maintaining and renewing our nuclear deterrent, a capability that has protected the UK and our allies for almost 60 years. Delivering this work is a National Endeavour and continues to drive growth, strengthen security and sustain tens-of-thousands of jobs across the UK.”
Rolls-Royce Submarines currently employs more than 5,500 people. It designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every submarine in the Royal Navy’s fleet.
The company is supporting the Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through delivery of reactor plant and associated components. This work is delivered by the UK MOD’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise as part of a national endeavour to sustain the nuclear deterrent.
Rolls-Royce also provides frontline support worldwide for reactor plant equipment from its Operations Centre in Derby. It supports submarines at the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and at the naval bases at Devonport and Faslane, with technical specialists also working in Glasgow, Cardiff and Thurso.
