ROBATEL INDUSTRIES

What ROBATEL INDUSTRIES does

ROBATEL Industries is a French family-owned SME specializing exclusively in the design and manufacture of nuclear equipment, operating from facilities in Genas (headquarters), La Hague, and Cadarache in France, with a US subsidiary (ROBATEL Technologies) in Roanoke, Virginia established in 2009. Founded in 1830 with nuclear activities dating to 1953, the company employs approximately 130-164 people and serves the global nuclear industry through three core product lines: turnkey nuclear assembly solutions (Ensemblier Nucléaire) including hotcells, gloveboxes, special equipment, and waste treatment systems; Type B(U) certified transport and storage casks (R84, R85, R86, R87 series) for radioactive materials; and proprietary special materials (FENOSOL™ co-owned with CEA, Compound n°9-24 series, PNT3/7/8) for gamma and neutron shielding.

The company's business model is project-based contract manufacturing, generating revenue through one-time equipment sales, materials supply, and professional services including maintenance, decommissioning, on-site intervention, and certified drop testing at its ASN-approved facility. It targets nuclear power utilities, nuclear fuel cycle and waste management operators, nuclear research facilities, and nuclear contractors. Major customers include EDF (multiple cask programs), ORANO, CEA (also a co-development partner), SKB and Vattenfall (R87 Swedish fuel cask), TRIUMF, SCK CEN, CNEA, the US Department of Energy, and Curium. ROBATEL holds critical certifications including ISO 19443 (among first certified), ISO 14152 (referenced for Compound materials), and ASME/RCC-M manufacturing codes, supported by SCN1/SCN2, PR1/PR2, COFREND 2, and DATR personnel certifications.

The go-to-market approach combines enterprise field sales through a dedicated commercial team (Sales Director, Export Manager, International Sales Developers) with strong event-driven marketing at nuclear trade shows (WNE, PATRAM, HOTLAB), bilateral nuclear industry days across Europe and the Americas, and active membership in industry associations including GIFEN, SFEN, Nuclear Valley, and the European SMR Alliance. The company has a workforce of approximately 130 growing to ~164, no public funding rounds (family-owned capital), no M&A activity, and approximately 195 years of continuous operation.

Name

ROBATEL INDUSTRIES

Legal name

ROBATEL Industries

Website

https://robatel.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1830

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

French family-owned nuclear equipment manufacturer (founded 1830) producing Type B(U) certified transport casks, hotcells, gloveboxes, and proprietary radiation shielding materials for global nuclear utilities, fuel cycle operators, and research facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nuclear Equipment Manufacturing

NAICS

Gasket, Packing, and Sealing Device Manufacturing (339991), Hardware Manufacturing (33251), Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing (334517)

SIC

Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050)

akta.pro primary industry

Transport & Storage Cask Testing, Certification & Maintenance (EUAKAHAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Waste conditioning, packaging & container systems (drums, casks, overpacks, canisters) (EUAKAGAC), Decontamination & Dismantling (D&D) of Nuclear Facilities (EUAKAFAB), Nuclear Fuel Transport & Logistics (UF6 cylinders, fresh fuel shipping) (EUAKACAK), Engineered barrier systems & backfill materials (buffers, seals, liners, grouts) (EUAKAGAH)

Keywords

• Nuclear equipment manufacturing
• Radioactive material transport casks
• Radiation shielding materials
• Nuclear hotcell assembly
• Nuclear decommissioning services

Headquarters

HQ city

Digulleville

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Nuclear Equipment Manufacturing: Design and manufacturing of specialized nuclear equipment including transport casks, hotcells, gloveboxes, and biological protections. Revenue generated through project-based contracts with nuclear utilities and research facilities.
2. Special Materials: Development and supply of specialized shielding materials (FENOSOL™, Compound series, PNT series) for nuclear applications. Materials co-developed with CEA and approved by major nuclear operators.
3. Services and Maintenance: On-site assembly, commissioning, maintenance, and decommissioning services. Includes technical assistance during reactor outages, equipment maintenance, and dismantling operations.
4. Testing and Quality Control: Drop testing services using ASN-approved facility (4000×2500mm surface, up to 5 metric tons from 9m height), leak testing (COFREND 2), and quality control services.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ROBATEL Industries designs, manufactures, and assembles specialized nuclear equipment, including Type B(U)-certified transport and storage casks for radioactive materials, shielded hotcells, gloveboxes, and turnkey nuclear assembly projects. The company also develops and supplies proprietary radiation-shielding materials (neutron and gamma shielding, phenolic foams) and provides on-site maintenance, dismantling, and intervention services to nuclear utilities, fuel-cycle operators, and research centers worldwide.

Product overview

ROBATEL Industries is a nuclear industry equipment manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. The core offerings include: Nuclear Contractor (Ensemblier) solutions providing turnkey industrial assembly with hotcells, gloveboxes, special equipment, and waste treatment systems; Transport and Storage Casks (R84, R85, R86, R87 series) certified for Type B(U) transport of radioactive materials; and Special Materials including FENOSOL™ phenolic foam and various Compound formulations (PNT, No.9/10, No.21/22) for neutron shielding and gamma protection. The company also provides associated services including maintenance, local services, and dismantling/site intervention. All offerings are exclusively dedicated to the nuclear industry sector.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Nuclear Contractor (Ensemblier Nucléaire) Multi-disciplinary engineering and manufacturing expertise providing turnkey industrial assembly solutions for the nuclear sector, including design and production of complex nuclear equipment. Targeted at nuclear utilities, fuel-cycle operators, and research centers.
• Transport and Storage Casks (R84, R85, R86, R87) Type B(U) certified packages for safe road transport and storage of radioactive materials, including R84 (approved for Curium), R85 (14 Type B packages delivered to EDF 2019-2025), R86 (Type B(U) certified for decommissioning projects), and R87 (fuel cask for Swedish operations). For nuclear utilities and waste management operators.
• FENOSOL™ Fire-Retardant Phenolic Foam Fire-retardant phenolic foam co-developed with CEA providing dual shock absorption and fire protection functions. M1 fire classification, F1 smoke classification, no CFCs or HCFCs. Used for nuclear and defense packaging applications.
• Compound ROBATEL™ Neutron Shielding Materials (n°9, n°10, n°21, n°22) Proprietary neutron shielding materials with plaster-based binder (n°9/10) and polyester resin binder (n°21/22). Approved by CEA, ORANO, EDF; n°21/22 referenced in ISO 14152 and installed at 50+ NPPs in France, China, Korea, South Africa. No degradation up to 1.8×10^17 thermal neutrons/cm².
• PNT Neutron Shielding Materials (PNT3, PNT7, PNT8) Fine mortar neutron shielding for applications with thermal and mechanical constraints. PNT3 and PNT7 approved by CEA, ORANO, EDF, and US Department of Energy with M0 fire classification. PNT8 offers enhanced temperature resistance and M1 fire rating for serious accident scenarios.
• Compound 23™ and Compound 24™ Protective Materials Advanced protective materials developed by R&D with improved behavior in serious accident scenarios, featuring temperature resistance and M1 fire rating.
• Shielded Hotcells (Cellules blindées) Shielded cells for handling radioactive materials in nuclear facilities, providing containment and radiation protection during processing operations. For nuclear research facilities and fuel-cycle operators.
• Gloveboxes (Boîtes à gants) Sealed enclosures with glove ports enabling manipulation of radioactive or hazardous materials in controlled environments. For nuclear research and pharmaceutical applications.
• Maintenance Services Maintenance services for nuclear equipment including cask maintenance and technical assistance during reactor outages. For nuclear utilities and operators.
• Dismantling and Site Intervention Services Dismantling services and on-site intervention capabilities for nuclear facility decommissioning projects. For nuclear utilities and decommissioning contractors.
• Drop Testing Services ASN-approved drop test facility (4000×2500 mm surface, up to 5 metric tons from 9m height) with high-speed cameras, accelerometers, and strain gauges. COFREND 2 leak testing certification. For nuclear cask manufacturers and certification testing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% customer satisfaction rate
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB (SKB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Landmark agreement signed for R87 fuel cask project for Swedish nuclear fuel management. SKB is Sweden's nuclear fuel and waste management company. Project includes partnership with Vattenfall.
• VattenfallmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 June 2024Swedish energy company partnering with SKB on R87 project for Swedish nuclear operations. Represents Swedish nuclear utility using ROBATEL equipment.
• CEA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development partnership for special materials including FENOSOL™ (co-owned trademark) and Compound neutron shielding series. CEA provides technical expertise and approval for ROBATEL's radiation shielding materials. Protocol for lead recycling from nuclear plants led by CEA.
• GIFEN (Groupement des Industries Françaises de l'Énergie Nucléaire)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFrench nuclear industry association. President Christophe Bruneel serves as Vice-President. ROBATEL actively participates in GIFEN events, round tables, and international days.
• SFEN (Société Française d'Énergie Nucléaire)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFrench nuclear society partner. Industry association supporting nuclear sector professionals in France.
• Nuclear ValleyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional nuclear industry cluster. ROBATEL participates in Nuclear Valley Rendez-vous events and industry gatherings.
• ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational fusion energy project. ROBATEL listed as partner on ITER initiatives in nuclear sector context.
• European SMR AllianceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEuropean alliance for Small Modular Reactors. ROBATEL officially joined in May 2024. Represents SME participation in SMR development discussions.
• SCK CEN (Belgian Nuclear Research Centre)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian nuclear research center. ROBATEL visited TABLOO and SCK CEN facilities including MYRRHA project. International collaboration in nuclear research.
• ORANOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench nuclear company and major customer. Approver of Compound neutron shielding materials. Key player in nuclear fuel cycle.
• EDFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerÉlectricité de France - major French nuclear utility. Multiple projects including R85 (14 Type B packages for spent cluster guides) and R86 decommissioning casks. Long-term partnership in nuclear equipment supply.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• DAHER: French industrial group with nuclear logistics division (DAHER Nuclear Technologies) handling transport of radioactive materials and cask services. Comparable as a French peer in nuclear logistics with overlapping transport cask capabilities.

Broad incumbents

• Framatome: French nuclear reactor and services company designing, manufacturing, and maintaining nuclear steam supply systems. Comparable as fellow French nuclear equipment specialist serving EDF and global utilities with engineered equipment, though at much larger scale and broader scope.
• Orano: French nuclear fuel cycle company (formerly Areva) covering uranium, fuel fabrication, recycling, transport, and decommissioning. Directly comparable as both customer and competitor in nuclear packaging, transport casks, and waste management; ROBATEL's Compound materials are approved by Orano.
• Westinghouse Electric Company: US-based nuclear power company designing reactors, fuel, and providing services globally. Comparable as a nuclear equipment OEM serving utilities, though at much larger scale across reactor systems and fuel fabrication.
• Mirion Technologies: US-listed radiation detection and shielding company serving nuclear, medical, defense, and research markets. Comparable in radiation shielding materials and nuclear measurement, though serving broader end-markets including medical and defense.
• Curtiss-Wright Nuclear: Division of Curtiss-Wright providing nuclear reactor protection systems, engineered components, and specialty equipment to commercial and defense nuclear markets. Comparable as a long-standing nuclear equipment specialist with regulatory-certified products.

Direct peers

• Holtec International: US-headquartered company specializing in nuclear fuel transport casks, storage systems, and decommissioning technologies. Directly comparable as a pure-play nuclear packaging and equipment manufacturer competing in the same Type B(U) cask and dry storage markets.
• NAC International: Nuclear fuel cycle and transport cask company offering spent fuel management solutions, storage systems, and transport packagings. Directly comparable as a specialized competitor in nuclear cask design and radioactive material packaging.
• GNS (Gesellschaft für Nuklear-Service): German company providing nuclear waste management, transport casks (e.g., CASTOR series), and storage solutions. Directly comparable as European peer in radioactive material transport packaging and spent fuel storage equipment.
• TS-Energie (formerly TN International): French company (formerly AREVA TN International) specializing in transport and storage casks for radioactive materials, particularly spent nuclear fuel. Directly comparable as the leading European competitor in Type B(U) transport casks and nuclear logistics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/robatel

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ROBATEL INDUSTRIES