L&H Industrial believes Wyoming could emerge as a major global center for nuclear reactor manufacturing as energy companies ramp up investments in advanced nuclear technology and fuel production projects across the state.
Mike Wandler, co-owner of the Gillette-based industrial manufacturing company, said growing demand for nuclear energy and federal support for domestic energy production are creating new opportunities for Wyoming manufacturers and contractors.
“In Mike Wandler’s 40 years of working in Wyoming’s energy industry, he’s never seen a new manufacturing sector that the Cowboy State can absolutely dominate. Until now,” according to remarks published by Cowboy State Daily.
Wandler said the company sees a major opportunity in supplying parts and equipment for nuclear energy projects already planned in Wyoming.
“This state could manufacture $1 billion worth of reactors that are leased globally,” he said. “Annual revenues could eventually eclipse those of coal, oil and gas.”
The comments come as Wyoming continues to attract major nuclear-related investments, including projects tied to advanced reactor developer TerraPower and nuclear fuel manufacturer BWXT.
L&H Industrial, which has traditionally manufactured mining equipment for the coal industry, is positioning itself to support the next generation of nuclear infrastructure projects.
Wandler said the company plans to manufacture components for TerraPower’s nuclear plant project near Kemmerer, Wyoming. The company is also partnering with BWXT, which plans to build a $500 million nuclear fuel facility near Gillette beginning in 2028.
“That project ‘will help us and lots of other manufacturing businesses around the state,’” Wandler said. “We can be the center hub. These plants can get all their quotes from Wyoming companies for every reactor.”
Wyoming’s uranium reserves and existing industrial workforce provide a foundation for expanded nuclear development, according to Wandler. He also pointed to recent federal efforts to streamline regulations and accelerate domestic energy production.
The push toward nuclear construction comes as utilities and developers search for reliable power sources capable of supporting growing electricity demand tied to manufacturing, electrification and data center expansion nationwide.
Despite enthusiasm surrounding nuclear energy, Wandler said Wyoming’s coal industry remains important to the state’s economy and continues to see renewed activity.
“Coal is no longer in trouble in Wyoming,” Wandler said. “People all over the world, too, are ordering parts to get their mining machines back online.”
He added that coal remains competitive because it is “safe and clean, amazingly cost-efficient and can be stockpiled.”
Wandler acknowledged nuclear power still carries higher upfront costs compared with traditional energy generation, but he believes those costs will decline as more reactors are developed and deployed.
“It will take time, but eventually Wandler foresees Wyoming building ‘hundreds of reactors’ for nuclear energy,” the report stated.
L&H Industrial has already gained national recognition for its manufacturing capabilities. The company, founded in 1964, has worked on projects involving NASA launch infrastructure and heavy industrial equipment. Wandler credited the company’s engineering expertise and Wyoming’s business climate for helping diversify operations beyond mining.
“Wyoming is the freest state in terms of regulations, and the USA is the freest country in the world,” Wandler said. “This is the absolute best place to be an entrepreneur.”
Originally reported by Julie Mankin in Cow Boy State Daily.
