Automation in the Nuclear Sector: How Actemium powers safety, compliance, and operational efficiency

Actemium is one of the UK’s leading industrial automation experts. With a network of specialist businesses and a team of over 200 engineers and project managers nationwide, it plays a key role within the wider Actemium group—operating both in the UK and globally. It delivers sophisticated process control and automation solutions tailored to the complex needs of multiple industries, driving improvements in safety, efficiency, and compliance.

We recently sat down with Fraser Remington at Actemium Automation to delve into how their capabilities are advancing improved performance, innovation and resilience for customers in the nuclear industry.

Fraser, could you give us an overview of Actemium Automation’s involvement in the nuclear sector?

Over the past few years we’ve gradually expanded our presence in this nationally critical industry. As part of the wider Actemium UK group, we continue to support automation projects across Civil Nuclear and Nuclear Defence, with capability to deliver for both segments.

These are incredibly complex environments where safety, reliability, and compliance are absolutely non-negotiable. That’s where our expertise really comes into play.

We’ve supported varied automation-led projects for the sector, and while I can’t go into detail on every client or programme, I can say we’ve worked with some of the most well-known organisations – such as supporting the decommissioning programme at Sellafield.

What sets us apart are both our technical expertise and integrated approach. We regularly collaborate with other Actemium businesses—covering mechanical and electrical engineering design—to provide clients with a joined-up approach that meets the full scope of their needs.

Actemium has a strong foundation in regulated industries. Tell us more about this experience and how it translates into the nuclear sector?

That’s a great question. Our experience spans several other tightly regulated sectors—pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and water—which has equipped us with a deep understanding of compliance and operational integrity. For example:

• In pharmaceuticals, we’ve delivered cleanroom automation and batch control systems that meet rigorous good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards.
• In chemical processing, we manage hazardous materials using advanced process control and safety-critical systems.
• In food production, we implement hygienic automation with full traceability and quality assurance.
• In water treatment, we support environmental monitoring and ensure regulatory compliance.

This cross-sector expertise enables us to navigate the complex regulatory landscapes of Civil Nuclear and Nuclear Defence with confidence and precision.

With decades of experience across critical industries, we’ve come to truly understand how vital reliability, cybersecurity, and compliance are—especially in safety-critical environments like nuclear facilities.

It’s not just about keeping things running; it’s about making sure they run securely, smoothly, and with as little risk as possible. That’s the kind of work that directly supports national resilience and helps ensure long-term operational continuity.

So, what sets your project delivery apart?

Our technical project managers really are some of the best in the business. They’ve got a strong track record of delivering complex automation projects on time and within budget, all while juggling multidisciplinary teams and staying within strict regulatory standards. That kind of consistency is why clients keep coming back to us to deliver their most critical systems.

It’s this reputation that has helped us become a trusted partner across the industry. We’re part of the wider Actemium group, which has over 100 years of history here in the UK. We also carry forward the legacy of well-known names like Cougar Automation, AND Automation and QSI Group —brands that still hold a lot of recognition and respect in the sector.

It’s that combination of heritage and performance that’s built long-term confidence. In fact, about 80% of our order intake comes from repeat business, which says a lot about the satisfaction and trust our clients place in us year after year.

To finish off, what’s next for Actemium Automation in the nuclear space?

We’re entering a really exciting phase of growth in the nuclear sector. As the UK ramps up its investment, we’re seeing a surge in demand from customers who need to scale their operations quickly and efficiently—and we’re right there alongside them, helping make it happen.

Right now, we’re involved in projects that span industrial control, process automation, data systems, and everything in between. And when the scope expands, we’re ready to go further—drawing on the wider expertise across the Actemium business to deliver fully integrated, engineered solutions.

Have a Civil Nuclear or Nuclear Defence project to discuss? Get in touch with us at reachout@actemium.co.uk.