News - Published on 31 October 2022

KARL HUGO makes its mark in the nuclear sector

KARL HUGO has put its skills at the disposal of large Belgian and foreign industrial companies that operate nuclear power plants.

For almost 30 years, KARL HUGO has been manufacturing mechanically welded parts for the maintenance and servicing of nuclear power plants in Belgium, Germany, and France. Today, KARL HUGO teams put all their technical skills at the disposal of large groups such as Engie, Westinghouse and EDF by developing and manufacturing tools and solutions that enable its customers to carry out interventions within the reactors.

Nuclear safety regulations dictate that we work very responsibly”, explains David Scholzen - Project Leader & Quality Manager. “Our state-of-the-art quality system in the vein of Industry 4.0 enables us to fully satisfy this requirement.” KARL HUGO offers a “one stop shop service”. The mechanical engineering office designs customised technical solutions and supports its customers with a cost engineering approach, offering the best cost/feasibility compromise. “Our state-of-the-art machinery combined with the know-how of our employees enables us to machine, weld and assemble parts and tools in line with the extremely strict standards required by nuclear power plant operators.”

KARL HUGO has, amongst other things, built transport carriers for containers carrying radioactive fuels and lifting devices for the Tihange and Doel power plants. The company has also manufactured tools to decontaminate radioactive parts in France. “KARL HUGO’s strength is that we follow a project all the way from conception to delivery,” adds David Scholzen. “All our expertise and production resources are concentrated on one, single site. Our organisation and precision are seen as important advantages by the nuclear sector.”

A major project is underway for 2024. “KARL HUGO will soon be involved in the dismantling of a nuclear power plant,” says David Heinen - Project Engineer. “We are currently developing a ribbon saw that will make it possible to cut out, under water, a part of the stainless steel reactor, as well as the cart that will transport it.”