Overview
With offices in Oshawa and Millarton, the Nuclear Services Division of E.S. Fox Limited (ESFL) is one of the largest in Canada. We have been serving the safe and reliable nuclear industry for over 50 years while managing more than 14 Million hours of nuclear work without a lost time accident. As nuclear power generation evolves to Small Modular Reactors (SMR’s), E.S. Fox Limited stands ready to support the engineering, factory fabrication, shipping, installation and commissioning of this exciting technology.
Established in 1934, ESFL is a fully integrated, multi-trade fabricator and constructor. We are headquartered in Niagara Falls, Ontario and operate a number of branch offices to manage the needs of our customers. We provide our clients a comprehensive solution for all of their project needs.
Unmatched Fabrication Capability
Our flag-ship fabrication facility in Port Robinson, Ontario, has over 83,000 square feet of production space with direct access to the Welland Canal via our dedicated, secure shipping dock. Our facility is equipped to transport oversized modules (up to 600 tons), to any water accessible location in the world. The facility is also within one kilometer to Ontario’s major highway system and a just 1/2 kilometer away from the nearest railway spur. This unparalleled advantage allows efficient transportation to any site within Canada that is accessible by road, rail or water.
Our fabrication facility has a successful history of meeting the needs of the nuclear industry. Some examples include the fabrication of:
- (1,920) Replacement Feeder Tube Sections for Bruce Power Units 1&2 (this contract included installation)
- (54) Seismic Stacking Frames for the storage of used fuel
- (1,300) Spent Fuel modules for the Darlington Nuclear Station
- (1,200) Spent Fuel modules for the Pickering Nuclear Station
- (5) Tritium Oxide and Deuterium Oxide shipping containers
- (5) Fuel Skid structural frames, ladders, & walking platforms for Bruce Power
- Equipment and Systems for the Western Waste Management Facility’s Resin Waste Repackaging Project for OPG (including operating procedures)
- Hundreds of Radioactive Waste Containers for OPG stations and the Western Waste Management Facility
Proven Construction Leadership
Successful SMR installations require construction leadership that has the culture, capability and values required to deliver safe installations on schedule and in budget. With an emphasis on leadership development, ESFL Nuclear Services has made significant strides in the quality of field installations. Our strong safety culture contributes to our performance. Our construction leadership teams are proactive in working with clients, peer companies and trade unions through the Electrical Power System Construction Association. This work improves the skills of construction supervisors, apprentices and ‘New to Nuclear’ individuals through participation in teaching academies and the use of training mock-ups.
Representation
We are proud of our staff and our commitment to promoting diversity in the nuclear industry. We strongly believe that diversity in our workplace is one of the driving forces behind our operational success. As a member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ (CCAB) and the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Program (PAR), we continue to engage with Aboriginal communities with meaningful communications, community support and by providing meaningful mentorship and employment opportunities.
As an active member of Women in Nuclear (WiN), ESFL supports and encourages women working in the nuclear industry throughout the world. ESFL is a proud sponsor of WiN, partnering with Canada’s chapter.
Working with Partners
Our vision of being the nuclear service provider of choice is strongly aligned with the Canadian SMR Action Plan. Our goal of contributing to the operations of an active SMR build in Ontario requires strong partnerships with all stakeholders, including technology developers, clients, suppliers, sub-contractors and the communities we serve. This is incorporated into our Vision and Values, which are:
- Safety is the overriding priority of our organization.
- Our pursuit of excellence in all Nuclear Services is unrelenting.
- Our programs and initiatives enable us to remain at the forefront of the industry through continuous learning and improvement in all areas.
- Through respect, recognition and relationships, we strive to be the employer of choice, strategic partner of choice and nuclear services provider of choice.
- We believe in giving back to the community and industry through our community involvement as well as our commitment to safe and quality work.
ESFL Nuclear Services is committed to becoming a key partner on the journey to making Small Modular Reactors (SMR’s) a reality in Canada. We fully support the efforts of Natural Resources Canada and endorse the SMR Action Plan Statement of Principles toward the development and deployment of various SMR technologies in Canada.
ACTIONS
DEMONSTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT
Utilize Expertise and Experience
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
FOX01
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 1, 38, 40
ACTIONS
E.S. FOX LIMITED (ESFL) Nuclear Services will pool lessons learned, industry expertise and seek external partnerships to ensure sustainable growth in Canada’s SMR developments.
- ESFL Nuclear Services is currently involved in early SMR site preparation work for OPG. We will use this experience to support future ESFL SMR operations.
- ESFL Nuclear Services has over five decades of experience contributing to industry and client-focused OPEX lessons learned. This includes EPC work completed on OPG’s First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) nuclear capital projects (i.e. projects on new nuclear buildings and within the Darlington refurbishment program).
- E.S. Fox Limited’s internal OPEX system compiles projects executed nationwide in various sectors.
ESFL Nuclear Services will continue utilizing an internal SMR Response Team, composed of experienced nuclear professionals to organize, plan and execute key developments in this new market.
EXPECTED RESULTS
As the nature of SMRs in Canada itself is a First-Of-A-Kind operation, it is imperative to utilize the appropriate lessons learned, planning and risk mitigation strategies. With the mentioned strategies, ESFL Nuclear Services is expected to:
- Contribute to one or more SMR projects in Canada before 2028.
- Mitigate some of the negative financial burdens of SMR’s diseconomies of scale by leveraging our expertise and international supply chain relationships, bringing added value in domestic SMR production.
DEMONSTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT
Waste Management Solutions
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
FOX02
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 3, 30, 45
ACTIONS
ESFL Nuclear Services will pull from its experience in waste management to support SMR operations. In turn, waste management projects will transition to support SMR operations.
- With our work in waste management, maintenance and manufacturing of Waste Storage containers, ESFL has the extensive experience to support SMR waste management projects.
EXPECTED RESULTS
ESFL Nuclear Services expects the following:
- To develop safe and effective SMR waste disposal techniques.
- Support social strategies that educates communities on safe SMR waste disposal.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Indigenous Engagement
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
FOX03
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 24, 39, 43
ACTIONS
ESFL Nuclear Services will continue to expand meaningful, two-way engagement with Indigenous communities on the subject of SMRs, well in advance of specific proposals. ESFL Nuclear Services is an active member of Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ Progressive Aboriginal Relations. We are also active in the Bruce Power Indigenous Relations Supplier Network (IRSN) and OPG’s (ION) Indigenous Opportunities Network.
EXPECTED RESULTS
ESFL Nuclear Services expects the following:
- Ensure positive and constructive relationships are held with Canada’s Indigenous groups.
- A greater understanding of Indigenous affairs through two way conversation.
- To provide support to Indigenous groups while encouraging inclusive career and supply chain opportunities.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Diversity in Equality in the Workplace
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
FOX04
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 24, 39, 43
ACTIONS
E.S. Fox Limited will continue to promote and practice diversity in our workplace, this includes supporting nuclear-affiliated organizations who aim to empower a diverse industry.
- E.S. Fox Limited is a proud sponsor of Women in Nuclear (WiN). The WiN Global Conference brings together nuclear professionals, students, government and industry leaders from more than 30 countries. We aim to continue providing support and have active members represent E.S. Fox Limited.
- E.S. Fox Limited hiring staff follows Equality, Diversity and Inclusion best practices to ensure an inclusive workplace with strict policies to protect diversity
EXPECTED RESULTS
Diversity in our staff is what helps make us industry leaders. At E.S. Fox Limited, our diverse staff bring a wealth of knowledge, unique experiences and viewpoints to the table. The future of SMRs in Canada relies on this diversity.
- ESFL Nuclear Services expects our future SMR workforce is diverse and equitably recognizes contributions from women, youth, minorities and Indigenous people.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Participation in Nuclear Organizations/Associations
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
FOX05
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 5, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
ACTIONS
ESFL Nuclear Services will continue to participate in nuclear organizations / associations. We are proud members of:
- Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA), Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) and the Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability (CCNS).
- A founding member of the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII).
EXPECTED RESULTS
ESFL Nuclear Services’ participation in these organizations is expected to:
- Build a unified approach to SMR developments in Canada.
- Support the construction of at least one SMR facility in Canada before 2028.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Canadian Post-Secondary Engagement on SMRs
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
FOX06
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 39, 48, 49, 50
ACTIONS
ESFL Nuclear Services has staff who are alumni from a variety of Canada’s universities. We aim to connect with these universities to support, recruit and mentor the future generations of nuclear professionals.
EXPECTED RESULTS
As Canada transitions into SMR technology, it is imperative we share and seek knowledge from Canadian post-secondary institutions. ESFL Nuclear Services expects to:
- Lead future talent through mentorship and co-op opportunities
- Build a unified approach to developing the next generation of nuclear professionals
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND MARKETS
Build International SMR Partnerships
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
FOX07
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 14, 15, 25, 28, 34
ACTIONS
ESFNS aims to partner with SMR vendors and technology developers, providing value through our nuclear EPC expertise and facilities in Canada.
EXPECTED RESULTS
ESFL Nuclear Services aims to partner with SMR vendors and technology developers to providing value through our nuclear EPC expertise and facilities in Canada.
- Grow developments in Canadian SMR production and reducing SMR capital costs.
- Support the operation of an online SMR by 2028
- Mitigate the negative financial burdens by leveraging our expertise and international supply chain relationships, bringing added value in the domestic SMR production.