A Different Kind of Manufacturing
Building equipment for the nuclear industry is a whole different kind of manufacturing. The standards are stricter, the paperwork is heavier, and the expectations for performance and reliability are sky-high. Whether it’s a crane for handling spent fuel or a custom-fabricated component inside a reactor building, the process behind the build is just as important as the product itself.
The Standards That Shape Everything
At the heart of nuclear manufacturing are a few key standards—most notably ASME NQA-1, which outlines how a quality assurance program should be structured for nuclear applications. Then there’s 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B, a set of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements that governs everything from document control to corrective actions. These standards aren’t suggestions—they’re mandatory for anyone supplying equipment to a nuclear facility. And they don’t just apply to the final product. They impact how materials are sourced, how welds are inspected, how employees are trained, and how every process is tracked and verified. For our more stringent nuclear designed cranes, the design itself is governed by ASME NOG-1, which sets the rigorous structural, mechanical, and safety requirements specific to overhead handling equipment used in nuclear facilities.
What Compliance Looks Like on the Ground
To meet these expectations, manufacturers need to have certified quality systems in place—typically an NQA-1 compliant program alongside ISO 9001:2015 certification. On the shop floor, that means certified welders following qualified procedures, non-destructive examiners checking critical components, and every piece of material being tracked from mill to installation. In this industry, traceability isn’t just best practice—it’s required and essential to quality assurance at every stage.
Managing the Details That Matter
Even with all the right certifications, successful nuclear manufacturing comes down to how well a company manages the details. That includes tight documentation, proactive project management, and the ability to navigate changes without compromising compliance. Strong internal communication between engineering, fabrication, and quality teams can make or break a project. And with nuclear work, the margin for error is essentially zero.
Continuous Improvement, Nuclear Edition
Many manufacturers working in this space also adopt lean manufacturing principles. This is not just to improve efficiency, but to strengthen their ability to catch potential issues early and respond to them effectively. Continuous improvement, when applied with a nuclear mindset, becomes less about speed and more about reliability, clarity, and control.
Built for the Job
At American Crane and Equipment Corporation, we have spent years building the infrastructure, training, and internal culture required to deliver in this environment. Whether it’s supplying polar cranes, containment building systems, or fuel-handling equipment, the goal is always the same: deliver something that’s not only compliant, but dependable in the most demanding conditions.
Earning Trust, One Project at a Time
Manufacturing for the nuclear supply chain isn’t just about following rules but about building trust, one step at a time, through process, discipline, and attention to detail. That’s what it takes to do this kind of work today, and what will continue to be expected as the industry moves forward.