France’s Framatome said on 1 June that it had acquired Valinox Nucléaire SAS from Vallourec Group. French company Valinox specialises in the production of seamless steam generator tubes for NPPs. Valinox as a subsidiary of Framatome, will retain its brand name. Framatome said Valinox is recognised for its quality equipment and robust technological competencies and its acquisition “supports meeting the challenges of the French nuclear industry in terms of maintaining and renewing its nuclear fleet”.
"This acquisition strengthens our strategy to ensure the continuity of a strong skill base and industrial expertise in the production of components for all types of nuclear reactors," said Framatome CEO Bernard Fontana. For more than 45 years, Valinox has produced durable tubes that meet the most stringent safety specifications for the nuclear industry. The seamless steam generator tubes represent the only interface between the primary and secondary systems in pressurised water reactors. The tubes transfer heat from the reactor to the secondary loop to produce steam that drives a high-power turbine to generate electricity. Carole le Couedic, senior vice president, components operation of the Fuel Business Unit at Framatome and president of the new subsidiary, said: "The company's proven expertise and reputation are major assets that complement Framatome's production supply chain and our ability to meet our customers’ needs."
The company’s 95,000-square-metre metallurgical workshops are located in Montbard, Burgundy, a region is known for its expertise in nuclear industry mechanical engineering, and home to several Framatome plants.
