Areva officially opened its U.S. Technical Center in Lynchburg, Va., Wednesday.
It includes one of the largest multi-axial shake tables in North America, capable of testing items weighing 10 tons. The center also features a scanning electron microscope, industrial ovens, metallurgical labs and other facilities to test and research nuclear components.
“Areva’s expertise and resources give us the unique ability to package engineering and services that can extend plant life and improve plant operations by providing high-quality, reliable and innovative solutions for our customers,” Areva Inc. CEO Michael Rencheck said in a release.
The project, said to support $7 million in local procurements through 2015, received grants from the Virginia Tobacco Commission and Campbell County, Va.