Piketon, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, along with top state and federal officials, joined Centrus Energy Corp. on Thursday to announce a massive expansion of the company’s uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio—a project poised to bring thousands of jobs and billions in public and private investment to the state.
The announcement, made during the Ross County Employment Expo in Chillicothe, marks a significant milestone in the effort to strengthen America’s domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. The expansion of Centrus’ American Centrifuge Plant is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs, approximately 300 new operations positions, and retain 127 existing jobs. The project also aims to significantly boost production of both Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
“Centrus’ commitment to expand and upgrade its Piketon facility underscores Ohio’s importance in supporting our nation’s economic and national security,” said Governor DeWine. “Uranium enrichment operations in Piketon have played a critical role in U.S. national defense since the earliest days of the Cold War, and Centrus’ facility provides the only technology available today capable of building out domestic enrichment at an industrial scale.”
A Multi-Billion Dollar Vision for Energy Independence
Backed by more than $1.2 billion raised through convertible note transactions and over $2 billion in contingent purchase commitments from global utility customers, Centrus is moving forward with plans for a multi-billion-dollar expansion, pending final federal funding decisions. The company is currently participating in a competitive process through the U.S. Department of Energy for contracts to expand LEU and HALEU production in support of both current and next-generation reactors.
“The time has come to restore America’s ability to enrich uranium at scale,” said Centrus CEO Amir Vexler. “We are planning a historic, multi-billion-dollar investment right here in Ohio – supported by a nationwide supply chain to do just that. When it comes to powering our energy future, it’s time to stop relying on foreign, state-owned corporations and start investing in American technology, built by American workers.”
The project’s scale will support hundreds of jobs at Centrus’ centrifuge manufacturing facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as well as throughout its domestic supply chain that spans 14 major suppliers across 13 states. All centrifuges and supporting equipment will be assembled and operated at the Piketon facility.
Bipartisan Support for Nuclear Leadership and Local Jobs
The expansion has garnered wide-ranging support. U.S. Senator Jon Husted emphasized its national significance: “Today’s announcement is critical, not just for the people of Southeast Ohio, but for our nation. Expanding our ability to enrich uranium here in Ohio will continue America’s legacy as the global leader in nuclear development.”
U.S. Representative Dave Taylor added, “No longer shall our Nation lose jobs and risk energy security through reliance on foreign countries. I am confident that the critical work being done right here at Centrus’s Piketon plant will keep Ohio a leader in nuclear energy and usher America into a new Golden Age of energy production.”
Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel also praised the project, calling Centrus “the only American-owned uranium enrichment facility that fuels nuclear power.”
JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), and Pike County Economic Development are all partnering with Centrus to support hiring, training, and workforce development efforts. While no state grants or tax incentives are currently planned, JobsOhio’s Talent Acquisition Services team will assist with recruitment campaigns, training programs, and outreach across Ohio.
“Centrus’ Piketon uranium enrichment facility is one of a kind in the United States, and it has a critical role to play in reclaiming America’s global nuclear leadership,” said JobsOhio President J.P. Nauseef. “JobsOhio and OhioSE look forward to partnering with Centrus to ensure its proven workforce continues to thrive and grow.”
Centrus has already started the recruitment process and is actively engaging with job seekers in preparation for one of Ohio’s most transformative energy projects in recent history.
