Nuclear Manufacturing Investment Will More Than Double Company’s Washington County Workforce
(UCBJ) – BWXT, a company that produces high-purity depleted uranium (HPDU) metal for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, is investing $714.5 million to create 181 new jobs through an expansion of its Washington County operations, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced today.
The project, supported by a National Nuclear Security Administration award of a 10-year contract valued at $1.6 billion, will more than double BWXT’s current local workforce, according to officials.
“When we created Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund, our goal was to cultivate an ecosystem where this industry could thrive. Today’s announcement from BWXT represents another significant investment in Tennessee and creates greater opportunity across Northeast Tennessee, including nearly 200 high-quality jobs. I thank BWXT’s leadership for recognizing our efforts and continuing to make a significant impact in our state,” Lee said.
The facility will be the only active site capable of performing the process for the federal government.
“We want to thank Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner McWhorter and the State of Tennessee for the wonderful support we have received. This grant will help create benefits for the community that will last decades,” said Jeff Messaros, general manager of BWXT Ordnance Tennessee.
BWXT has announced two other Tennessee projects since 2025:
- The company committed to creating 60 jobs and investing $45 million in a new Oak Ridge location.
- The company also committed to creating 198 jobs and investing $122 million through an expansion of its existing Erwin facility.
TVA has praised the expansion.
“For more than 50 years, Jonesborough has played a vital role in our nation’s security and defense. BWXT’s announcement of 181 new jobs is a testament to that incredible heritage and the hardworking men and women who call Washington County home. I’m grateful to the company’s leaders for continuing to invest in our community,” said Rep. Rebecca Alexander (R-Jonesborough).
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