Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, today announces that it has been selected by Rolls-Royce as the sole contractor on its fissile construction framework.

The fissile framework will see the Company deliver the critical nuclear licensed infrastructure required to support Rolls-Royce’s manufacture of fissile components for the Royal Navy’s submarine propulsion systems, and the new AUKUS submarines.

Work will include the construction of new, highly specialised manufacturing and processing facilities within the licensed nuclear site boundary, the upgrade and refurbishment of existing nuclear plant infrastructure critical for the production of fissile materials, and extensive site-wide infrastructure enhancements compliant with stringent nuclear safety and security regulations.

The company will draw on its unique end-to-end capabilities to support the delivery of the programme, including its ground engineering expertise and mechanical and electrical engineering heritage, underpinned by its extensive technical knowledge and experience in working in a secure, nuclear environment.

Philip Hoare, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, said: “In my first week as Balfour Beatty’s Group Chief Executive, I’m proud to announce this latest appointment – a strong endorsement of our growing presence and capability in the UK defence market – one of our four key strategic growth markets. This success builds on our proven track record supporting Rolls-Royce at Raynesway and our expertise delivering complex, secure infrastructure in highly regulated environments. Our ongoing partnership with Rolls-Royce underscores the depth of our end-to-end capabilities and reinforces our commitment to delivering infrastructure of national importance to the UK.”

This follows Balfour Beatty’s appointment as Rolls-Royce’s non-fissile construction partner in May 2024, to expand its Raynesway site in Derby including the construction of new office facilities and adjoining site infrastructure.