METROPOLIS, Ill. (WJPF) — Officials with Honeywell say they intend to reopen their Metropolis plant.

The facility would be the only in the country producing uranium hexafluoride, also known as UF6, a compound used in producing uranium for fuel in nuclear power plants.

Company officials say to expect production to resume in 2023, with preparations beginning later this year. The Metropolis plant is expected to employ 160 full-time employees, plus additional contractors to get the facility up and running.

The plant has been idle since early 2018.