The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) recently completed construction at the Pantex Plant’s High Explosives Science and Engineering facility, consolidating 15 Manhattan Project-era facilities, the agency said last week.
“The new High Explosives Science and Engineering facility is a landmark achievement, setting an unprecedented standard for high explosives research and development crucial to national security,” Kelly Beierschmitt, president of Pantex’s management and operating joint venture PanTeXas Deterrence, said in NNSA’s press release. “This state-of-the-art facility not only exemplifies American ingenuity but also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to mission success. My sincere appreciation to all the Pantexans and others who made this happen.”
The facility began construction in November 2020, and is designed to support research, testing and qualification of the high explosives used in the nation’s nuclear weapons, as well as general weapons maintenance.
Pantex services all U.S. nuclear weapons in assembly and disassembly, and also houses special nuclear materials and retired warheads and bombs. The BWX Technologies-led joint venture has managed the site since November 2024.