A 100-year-old French industrial company has opened a nuclear centre in Bristol which will create 30 new jobs.
Boccard's Centre of Nuclear Excellence will be based at Bristol’s Temple Quarter and will support the Hinkley Point C Nuclear new build team in North Somerset.
Chief executive Bruno Boccard and Stuart Crooks, EDF managing director of Hinkley Point, opened the new office this week.
The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) helped Boccard secure the location through its inward investment arm Invest Bristol & Bath.
Douglas McQueen, managing director of Boccard UK, said: “The new office is ideally situated next to some of our key customers… as well as other prime contractors and partners involved in the project.
“We’re very grateful to the West of England Combined Authority for its support and assistance in identifying a suitable location and for opening the doors to work alongside a variety of local businesses."
Boccard says it is planning to establish a “strong relationship” with the National College for Nuclear Southern Hub to provide training and job opportunities within the region.
The company says it will also be looking to “strengthen ties” with local businesses for its supply chain.
Tim Bowles, Mayor of the West of England, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Boccard UK to the West of England, creating even more opportunities for our highly-skilled residents and increasing our supply chain activity – both nationally and globally.
“We’ve supported Boccard UK’s investment into our region by providing business intelligence, through Invest Bristol & Bath, including advice on property and relocation assistance for its staff.
“The West of England Combined Authority will continue to work closely with Boccard UK to support its growth and ambitions in the region.”
Family-owned Boccard was established in France in 1918 by Joseph Boccard, and Boccard UK was formed in 2007 following the acquisition of Shell lubricants fluid management company.
In the past 12 years the company has been investing in the UK and expanding its operations into the engineering, manufacturing, construction and industrial maintenance sectors.
Boccard operates out of 35 countries, employing 3,500 people worldwide.
