Bruce Power and nuclear contractor Areva are coming together on a multi-million dollar agreement.
The five-year arrangement will see Areva provide a maintenance program worth up to $55-million to service Bruce Power's high-voltage equipment, including transformers.
The deal was signed at Areva's Kincardine office and Bruce Power President and CEO Mike Rencheck says it has been a priority to secure agreements with companies that set up shop locally.
"We're going to be in business until 2064, so we have a long-term view on our needs," says Rencheck. "It's nice to have companies setting up their business nearby and supporting us, day-in and day-out."
Nicolas Maes, vice-president of Areva's Installed Base Business Unit, says the agreement will allow Areva to solidify its presence in Bruce County.
He says the company currently employs about 60 people out of Kincardine, pointing out 90% of their workforce is from the Bruce-Grey-Huron County region. Expanding their workforce is expected once the maintenance program is underway.
Maes says Areva is continuing discussions with Bruce Power to find other ways of utilizing their expertise at the nuclear site.