November 5, 2025
Orano NPS has once again chosen Equans to provide Industry 4.0 maintenance services for its new nuclear packaging manufacturing plant
Opened in 2024 in Cherbourg, the TN Eagle Factory marks a key milestone in the modernization of the French nuclear industry. The first of its kind in the field of nuclear packaging worldwide, it combines robotics, automation, and digitalization at an unprecedented level, making it a technological showcase for Industry 4.0. This ultra-connected production model requires multi-technical maintenance that is up to the task: Orano has entrusted Ineo Nucléaire, a subsidiary of Equans France, with the multi-technical and predictive maintenance of the site—a five-year contract formalized on Wednesday, November 5, at the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE), as part of the plant’s ramp-up.
A wealth of innovations designed to boost industrial performance
The result of several years of design and co-innovation, the TN Eagle Factory has enabled Orano NPS to completely rethink its manufacturing processes.
The production cycle for nuclear packaging has now been reduced by two-thirds, from 36 to 12 months, thanks to a modular design and extensive robotic integration.
Automated production lines—including robots for insertion, painting, and silicone application—and the assembly of complete parts that minimize welding help enhance safety while accelerating production.
Since its inauguration, the plant has continued to ramp up production, with the goal of reaching up to 30 packages per year.
The signing of the contract between Orano NPS and Equans is part of this effort: to consolidate industrial performance and ensure the availability of this strategic production facility.
©Orano
“ The TN Eagle plant is now entering a critical phase of ramp-up. This partnership with Equans will enable us to secure our production capacity for the long term and improve the reliability of our processes to support our plant’s ramp-up. ”
Maintenance Enhanced by Digital Technology and Human Expertise
As a subsidiary of Equans France, Ineo Nucléaire provides multi-disciplinary and predictive maintenance for all industrial processes at the Cherbourg site—a total of 16 critical processes.
The teams, which have been active since this summer, are gradually ramping up operations with the goal of reaching full capacity by the end of the year. They draw on eight complementary areas of expertise: electrical engineering, automation, control systems, robotics, video, mechanical engineering, hydraulics, and supervision.
To address the complexity of such an ecosystem, Ineo Nucléaire has created a new role: the TN Eagle technician, capable of working across the entire value chain.
Trained to master the most advanced technologies, this new-generation technician embodies the E.A.G.L.E. approach (Expertise, Continuous Improvement, Availability Assurance, Leadership, Commitment & Excellence), making Maintenance 4.0 a driver of performance and safety for the nuclear industry of tomorrow.
Measurable performance commitments
The challenge is clear: to ensure the plant’s reliability and availability to support Orano NPS as it gradually increases its production rate. To this end, Ineo Nucléaire has committed to specific availability and performance targets. Since responsiveness is key to success, Equans France’s response teams can be on-site in less than 30 minutes if needed. Thanks to the Group’s digital expertise provided through Equans Digital, software, robotics, and monitoring systems are optimized to ensure maximum operational continuity. This integrated approach combines reliability, operational continuity, and productivity gains.
“ We are proud and delighted to support Orano NPS and its new Industry 4.0 facility, a true showcase for the nuclear industry of the future. Adapting maintenance to this level of automation and digitization means taking a concrete step toward predictive and augmented maintenance. Our teams are committed to tackling this major technological challenge in support of a competitive and sustainable French nuclear industry. ”
About Orano
As a leading international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano provides solutions to current and future challenges in the energy and healthcare sectors. Orano’s expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable it to offer its customers high-value-added products and services across the entire fuel cycle. Thanks to their skills, their commitment to safety and security, and their constant pursuit of innovation, all 18,000 employees of the group are committed to developing expertise in the processing and management of nuclear materials—for the climate, for health, and for a resource-efficient world, both today and tomorrow.
