Alabama Secures $232 Million Micro-Reactor Plant in Gadsden, Creating 250 Jobs

August 18, 2025

Alabama Lands Cutting-Edge Nuclear Technology

Governor Kay Ivey announced a significant economic development for Gadsden, Alabama, as Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) plans to establish a $232 million micro-reactor assembly plant. This facility is set to create 250 new jobs and marks a major step in advancing nuclear energy technology within the state.

Key Takeaways

USNC’s new plant in Gadsden will be the first commercial-scale microreactor production facility in the nation.
The facility will focus on manufacturing, assembling, testing, and inspecting non-radiological modules for their Micro-Modular Reactor (MMR).
The project represents a $232 million investment and is expected to create 250 professional and technical jobs.
Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with operations commencing in 2027.

Gadsden Chosen for Advanced Manufacturing Hub

USNC, a Seattle-based company specializing in micro-reactor technologies, selected Gadsden after a year-long evaluation of 16 states and numerous potential sites. Key factors influencing the decision included site suitability, infrastructure, the availability of a skilled workforce, and overall project economics. The company highlighted the skilled workforce and training programs available in Gadsden as particularly attractive.

State-of-the-Art Facility and Economic Impact

The new facility, named the MMR Assembly Plant (MAP), will be a 578,000 square foot factory equipped with advanced manufacturing processes and equipment. It will have the capacity to produce up to 10 complete MMR nuclear units annually. Governor Ivey emphasized that the plant will benefit the Gadsden community through substantial investment and job creation, further solidifying Alabama’s reputation for innovation in manufacturing.

Future Growth and Global Reach

USNC representatives expressed optimism about the potential for expansion and export, noting the growing global interest in their high-temperature gas reactor technology. The establishment of the MAP facility is expected to foster the growth of local suppliers, creating additional economic opportunities in the Gadsden region. Mayor Craig Ford hailed the project as a "game-changer" for Gadsden, underscoring the capability of the local workforce.

Commitment to Safety

It is important to note that the Gadsden facility will not use or store any radioactive material. The plant’s focus will be on assembling the non-radiological components of the microreactors, which will then be shipped as modules to various global locations for energy generation.