Enrichment Technology was formed in October 2003 as a result of a reorganisation of the Urenco group. Previously the Urenco group had been divided in two sub-groups:
- The Urenco Enrichment Company (UEC), which operated Urenco’s enrichment plants
- Enrichment Technology, which developed and manufactured the centrifuge technology, designed enrichment plants and managed new plant projects
The Enrichment Technology group is born
When the group re-organised, the Enrichment Technology group was established as a stand-alone subsidiary of Urenco Ltd. As before, Enrichment Technology’s principal business was to supply Urenco with centrifuge capacity and technology. Although Enrichment Technology became a subsidiary of Urenco, the business relationship was conducted on an arms-length basis.
Becoming a world leader
Although a new company at the time, Enrichment Technology already comprised a significant resource of talent and experience, including many of the most valuable and experienced people in centrifuge and enrichment plant technology. This expertise ensured that Enrichment Technology was quickly recognised as a world leader in enrichment technology.
Building for the long term
During the first three years of its existence, the Enrichment Technology group founded a strong economic and operational base built on solid business processes, the establishment of long term contracts, and an emphasis on technical expertise and development.
A joint venture
In 2006, the company underwent a new transformation when it became a joint venture between Areva and Urenco. This move has increased capacity, guaranteed stability, and enabled Enrichment Technology to develop our order book in the long term. It is a move calculated to ensure Enrichment Technology cements its leading position in enrichment technology.
Ensuring security
As Enrichment Technology moves forward, we are committed to ensuring the security of supply of our technology. At the Treaty of Almelo, established in 1970, the Governments of the three Enrichment Technology countries, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Germany, agreed rules for security and classification of our centrifuge technology. These governments continue to monitor the strict observance of these rules, through their Joint Committee. In addition, Enrichment Technology’s operations are continually monitored by EURATOM, the IAEA and the United Nations.