Centrus to Expand Oak Ridge Centrifuge, TN Manufacturing Plant to Facilitate Large-Scale Deployment
January 23, 2026 - OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Centrus Energy President and CEO Amir Vexler announced today that Centrus (NYSE: LEU) plans a major expansion in East Tennessee, transitioning its Oak Ridge facility to a high-rate manufacturing plant.
As part of the expansion, Centrus plans to create nearly 430 new jobs and invest more than $560 million in Anderson County over the next several years to support both the growth in workforce and investment in the production of thousands of advanced centrifuges.
Today’s announcement supports Centrus’ recently announced plans for a major expansion of its Ohio uranium enrichment plant, which will help the company meet America’s commercial and national security requirements. The first new centrifuges produced in Tennessee are expected to come online in Ohio in 2029.
Centrus’ Technology and Manufacturing Center in Oak Ridge is the only uranium enrichment centrifuge manufacturing facility in the U.S. The company recently was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to expand its uranium enrichment plant in Ohio with centrifuges produced in Tennessee.
Centrus is the eighth company to utilize funding from Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund. The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $10 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during both the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, bringing the fund’s total to $70 million since its inception.
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“Companies nationwide recognize that Tennessee is the nation’s epicenter for new nuclear, and I am grateful for Centrus’ continued investment in the Volunteer State. These 400 new jobs will create greater opportunity for Tennesseans and advance our state’s position as a leader in energy independence.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Tennessee is rapidly becoming a leader in clean energy, and I’m proud to announce additional jobs and investment alongside Centrus today. Through strategic investments from our state’s Nuclear Energy Fund, we are strengthening Tennessee’s nuclear infrastructure and advancing the technology and education needed to support it. We appreciate Centrus’ commitment to the next generation of clean energy and look forward to the positive impact this investment will bring to our state.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We are proud to be leading the effort to restore America’s ability to enrich uranium at scale – using American technology, built by American workers right here in Tennessee. These advanced centrifuges are essential to meeting America’s energy security and national security requirements. We are honored to be a part of the vibrant ecosystem of nuclear energy leaders in East Tennessee and grateful for the strong support of federal, state and local leaders here.” – Amir Vexler, CEO, Centrus
“TVA is proud to support Centrus as they expand their operations in Oak Ridge. This investment and the creation of more than 400 high-quality jobs underscore the region’s role as a hub for nuclear innovation and advanced manufacturing. TVA is committed to powering economic growth and partnering with companies like Centrus to strengthen energy security and drive progress for the communities we serve.” – Don Moul, president and CEO, TVA
“Centrus has been an outstanding corporate citizen, and its continued growth reflects both the long-term stability of Anderson County and the unmatched advantages of doing business in the Oak Ridge Corridor. This announcement is a powerful statement of confidence in our community, our people, our work ethic and the strength of our partnerships across local, state and federal levels. Centrus’ investment strengthens our position as a national hub for next-generation nuclear and advanced manufacturing, and we are grateful to TNECD and our regional partners for helping ensure Tennessee remains the destination for transformative, future-defining industries.” – Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank
“Oak Ridge is proud to support the growth of Centrus Energy in our community. The expansion of their operations and the integration of Centrus’s advanced technology signal a return to American leadership in nuclear energy, an area where Oak Ridge has long played a critical role. As these operations come online, they will bring new, well-paying jobs and meaningful economic opportunity for the people of our community.” – Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch
“Centrus is a leader in advanced nuclear fuel technology, and the company’s decision to invest and create jobs in Tennessee underscores our state’s strength in high-tech manufacturing and energy innovation. We are proud to partner with a company that is helping power America’s future while creating quality jobs for Tennesseans.” – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge)
“I’m thrilled to hear that Centrus is expanding its operations here in Anderson County. They have been a phenomenal business partner in Oak Ridge, and this significant investment will strengthen our local economy and support families across the region. I am grateful for Centrus’ continued commitment to our community and look forward to their continued success.” – Rep. Rick Scarbrough (R-Oak Ridge)
About Centrus
Centrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal.
With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America’s uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.