France's Le Creusot Forge (LCF), a supplier of forgings to the nuclear power industry, ceased operations in December 2015 upon the discovery of quality issues pertaining to the composition of some steel components used in reactor vessels. The Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire (ASN), France's nuclear regulator, defined the preconditions for the resumption of forging operations at LCF In April 2017. The preconditions include a search for other technical defects similar to those found in 2015, the implementation of manufacturing quality reviews on parts at Areva NP (LCF's parent company) that enabled the discovery of the defects initially, and the implementation of a review of nuclear installation licensee monitoring contractors and subcontractors under ASN oversight. The action plan is in the process of being implemented and monitored for approval by ASN.

"Prior to the restart of manufacturing, ASN will check that the action plan is complete and that the actions already taken have proved to be effective," ASN said. "Subsequently, ASN will maintain increased oversight and monitoring of Areva's Creusot Forge plant."