How Fluor’s Procurement Powers Nuclear Supply Chain

Fluor's EPC contract with Centrus Energy underscores procurement's pivotal role in mission-critical supply chains.

The company, whose expertise has helped to solve its clients' greatest challenges, has been awarded a multi-year contract by Centrus Energy's subsidiary, American Centrifuge Operating, LLC. Fluor will serve as the integrated engineering, procurement and construction partner to expand its low-enriched uranium (LEU) and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) enrichment facility in Piketon, Ohio.

Strategic procurement lessons from a billion-dollar nuclear expansion

This partnership provides vital strategic lessons from managing complex, regulated materials sourcing amid multi-billion-dollar investments – highlighting the expertise in securing resilient domestic supply lines for strategic commodities like HALEU, vital for advanced nuclear reactors and energy security. It also showcases procurement's integration within large-scale EPC frameworks, balancing cost, compliance and timelines under intense national security scrutiny.

This contract supports a multi-billion dollar investment initiative – combining public and private funding – to install thousands of new centrifuges at Centrus' American Centrifuge Plant.

Fluor will spearhead the engineering and design work for the Ohio facility's expansion, coordinate supply chain operations and procurement of critical materials and services, manage on-site construction and assist with commissioning the additional capacity.

Securing America's position in uranium enrichment

Al Collins, Business Group President, Mission Solutions, at Fluor says: "This project secures Fluor's foundational position in the critical U.S. uranium enrichment market by supporting the re-establishment of a domestic low-enriched uranium and high-assay low-enriched uranium capability.

"We are proud of our long-term relationship with Centrus and to be a part of a team that supports the revitalisation of the United States' nuclear fuel supply chain."

For procurement leaders, the project exemplifies category strategy execution in high-stakes energy sectors, offering a model for navigating public-private partnerships and sustainability-driven supply chain redesign.

Fluor's commitment to building resilient supply chains extends beyond individual projects.

Operating in more than 40 countries, the company prioritises local procurement, with 86% of its US$9.5bn in 2024 commitments sourced from suppliers in the same country where goods are used or services rendered – a strategy that strengthens domestic capabilities whilst reducing supply chain risks.

Over the past decade, Fluor's procurement organisation has partnered with more than 6,000 suppliers and contractors, managing over US$120bn in equipment, materials and services.

The company supports these partners in their own sustainability journeys, promoting environmentally responsible practices throughout the value chain. By consolidating project cargo to optimise shipping, embracing digital transformation to reduce waste and maintaining rigorous environmental due diligence, Fluor demonstrates how sustainable procurement delivers both environmental benefits and exceptional value in mission-critical projects.

Amir Vexler, President and CEO at Centrus, adds: "This is another critical milestone for us as we begin our expansion in earnest.

"Fluor is a global leader with decades of experience managing complex nuclear construction projects and is an ideal partner as we transition to a large-scale deployment. With centrifuge manufacturing already underway, we are moving full speed ahead with our expansion."

Powering next-generation reactors and creating jobs

The expansion will position Centrus as a major LEU supplier for current reactors whilst scaling up production of HALEU – a fuel that will be essential in the coming years to power next-generation advanced reactors and meet rising global demand for carbon-free electricity.

The Piketon, Ohio facility is one of only two licensed LEU production sites in the United States and the sole licensed HALEU producer in the Western world.

The project is projected to generate over 1,300 jobs in Ohio throughout the construction and operational phases, boost the local economy and strengthen the nation's energy infrastructure and national security.

From initial planning to project completion, Fluor remains committed to creating choice and opportunity on both local and global scales, building a better world for today and tomorrow.