Jonesborough investment will expand nuclear materials manufacturing to support U.S. national security
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — November 6, 2026 — BWXT will invest $714.5 million and create 181 new jobs at its Jonesborough, Tennessee, facility, expanding production capabilities for materials critical to U.S. national security. The Washington County project will more than double the company’s existing local workforce.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and company officials announced an agreement supporting the expansion. The project will receive an economic development grant from TNECD through Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund.
Jonesborough Expansion Supports National Security
BWXT’s investment will support production of High Purity Depleted Uranium (HPDU) metal for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
In September 2025, NNSA awarded BWXT a 10-year contract valued at $1.6 billion to build an HPDU manufacturing plant at its Jonesborough site. Once completed, the facility will be the only active site capable of performing this critical process for the federal government.
The expansion follows BWXT’s 2025 acquisition of the Aerojet Ordnance Tennessee facility and builds on Washington County’s longstanding role in defense manufacturing.
“We want to thank Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner McWhorter and the State of Tennessee for the wonderful support we have received,” said Jeff Messaros, general manager of BWXT Ordnance Tennessee. “This grant will help create benefits for the community that will last decades.”
BWXT Builds on Tennessee Manufacturing Investments
The Washington County expansion marks BWXT’s third project supported by Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund and the 12th project overall to receive funding through the initiative.
BWXT announced two other Tennessee investments in 2025:
- Oak Ridge: A new location representing a $45 million investment and 60 new jobs.
- Erwin: An expansion of existing operations representing a $122 million investment and 198 new jobs.
Together, these projects reflect BWXT’s continued investment in Tennessee’s nuclear manufacturing workforce and production capabilities.
Gov. Lee said the latest expansion advances the state’s goal of building an environment where nuclear industry companies can grow, while bringing additional employment opportunities to Northeast Tennessee.
McWhorter highlighted BWXT’s role in Tennessee’s expanding nuclear industry and the company’s continued commitment to investing in the state.
Tennessee Nuclear Energy Fund Supports Industry Growth
Projects supported by Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund have generated commitments totaling nearly 4,000 new jobs and more than $10 billion in capital investment.
The fund launched with $50 million included in Gov. Lee’s recommended fiscal year 2023–2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. Additional allocations approved during the 2024, 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions totaled $45 million, bringing the fund to $95 million since its inception.
The program supports Tennessee’s efforts to attract nuclear industry investment, expand existing operations and strengthen the industry’s workforce.
Regional Partners Support Washington County Growth
TVA and BrightRidge joined state and local leaders in recognizing BWXT’s expansion. The utilities are working alongside the Washington County Economic Development Council and TNECD to support continued business investment and job creation in the region.
State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, whose district includes Jonesborough, noted the community’s more than 50-year history of supporting national security and defense. She said the 181 new jobs build on that heritage and reflect the strength of Washington County’s workforce.
About BWXT
BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) is a U.S.-based manufacturing and engineering company providing nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, nuclear medicine, space exploration and environmental restoration.
With more than 11,000 employees, BWXT owns and operates 19 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Its 14 strategic partnerships support U.S. and Canadian government operations at more than two dozen additional locations.
Learn more at bwxt.com.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development supports statewide economic growth through business recruitment, existing company expansions and community development. The department works to attract corporate investment, create jobs and help communities prepare for future economic opportunities.
Learn more at tnecd.com.
