Abstract: An automated system for manufacturing nuclear fuel pellets for use in nuclear fuel elements of nuclear power reactors. The system comprises process components arranged vertically but not directly under each other within a single enclosure. The vertical-lateral arrangement provides for gravity flow of the product from one component to the next and for vertical removal of each component without interference with the other components. The single enclosure eliminates time consuming transfer between separate enclosures of each component while providing three-sided access to the component through glove ports.