Press Releases

AMARILLO, TX – U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced at the Pantex Plant today that the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) has completed the manufacture of the first B61-13 gravity bomb, the latest modification to the B61 family of nuclear weapons. The first unit was assembled almost a year before the original target date and less than two years after the program was first announced, making the B61-13 one of the most rapidly developed and fielded weapons since the Cold War.

Read the full release on the NNSA website.

AMARILLO, TX – As part of Pantex’s ongoing efforts to strategically manage available on-site office space and accommodate long-term growth, it is moving employees into the Pantex Amarillo Campus, located at the Happy State Bank Building in downtown Amarillo. In celebration of this important step forward, Pantex held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 15.

“Today is not just about cutting a ribbon – it’s about progress, growth, and the continued collaboration between Pantex and the Amarillo community,” said Kelly Beierschmitt, Pantex president and general manager. “We are proud to be here, and we look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on our operations and the continued success of our mission.”

This new location, situated in the heart of Amarillo’s central business district, provides office space for more than 400 Pantexans.

"Center City is excited to welcome the Pantex team members who will be working in our downtown,” said Beth Duke, executive director of Center City of Amarillo. “The addition of the Pantex workforce will add vibrancy to our efforts to continue improving Amarillo's historic downtown. They will discover the downtown dining district, Hodgetown, our downtown hotels, and all the great downtown businesses that are ready to welcome them."

The lease agreement includes an initial five-year base period, with potential extension options. Pantexans began work in their new offices on April 14.

###

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration's Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

CONTACT
Rachel Smith
Communications
(806) 573.6032
rachel.smith@pantex.doe.gov

CANYON, TX– Pantex has sprouted roots in Canyon, Texas, with the launch of the Palo Duro Research Facility. The research facility is located on the campus of West Texas A&M University, approximately 50 miles southwest of the Pantex Plant.

“We have had a really good relationship with WT,” said Darnell Austin, conduct of operations specialist. “This is something we’re really excited about and it fits what we’re trying to do.”

This is the first research lab Pantex has on a university campus.

“As a proud member of The Texas A&M University System, \WT is pleased to be associated with the System’s leadership partner role at Pantex and Los Alamos National Laboratory bringing integration between Nuclear Security Enterprise design agencies and production sites,” said Walter V. Wendler, president of West Texas A&M University. “Having Pantex on the campus is another way WT is serving locally first, paying attention to our region, and investing in people, programs, and places as THE Panhandle’s University.”

Pantex is dedicated to forming and maintaining strategic partnerships, and this facility emphasizes the importance of the continued collaboration with the Texas A&M University System.

“Pantex has long been proud to be a cornerstone of the Texas Panhandle community, just like West Texas A&M University,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt said. “This partnership represents not just a physical space, but a commitment to the future—one that fosters innovation and collaboration.”

Once operated as a hospital, the building now belongs to WT with Pantex leasing the space. After renovations, the research facility houses approximately 15 members of Pantex’s research-and-development group, with more than 7,500 square-feet dedicated to research and lab areas plus office space.

“The Palo Duro Research Center is more than just a physical structure—it is an environment where engineers and scientists will tackle the challenges of tomorrow while partnering with future leaders,” Tyfani Lanier, Pantex engineering director and chief engineer said. “We are investing in talent, building a pipeline of skilled workers who will contribute to the growth and security of our country.”

The facility welcomed occupants in March 2025. Dozens of people contributed to this project, which has been underway for approximately 3 years now.

“I have to give credit to everyone for the work they did,” said Ben Stallwitz, technology development director for Pantex Engineering. “I think you could point to a lot of people in a lot of organizations at Pantex and WT who worked hard to get this project across the finish line.”

Several years of research and working through requirement processes has led to this cost-effective solution.

“This space provides us a great opportunity to continue to grow our partnerships and leverage the collective intellectual horsepower of our researchers,” Stallwitz said. “This setup is more aligned to our exploratory research portfolio and our growing body of material science, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.”

It is also a convenient place for WT students in applicable science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to have access to internship learning.

"The new Pantex Lab on the WT campus is more than just a facility—it is a bridge between education and industry, research and real-world application. This collaboration will provide students with hands-on experience, create workforce opportunities, and foster groundbreaking collaborations between WT and Pantex researchers,” said Dr. Angela Spaulding, vice president of Research and Compliance and dean of the Graduate School. “The innovations developed here will drive economic growth and strengthen national security. Pantex has been a longstanding partner with WT, and we are excited to see this collaboration enter a new phase. We proudly welcome Pantex to the WT campus."

Pantex’s commitment to the Texas Panhandle mirrors WTs dedication to serving the region. Together, Pantex and WT are shaping a stronger, more dynamic future for the entire Panhandle.

“The addition of the Palo Duro Research Facility on WT’s campus furthers our commitment to being a regional research university,” Wendler said. “Having Pantex on campus provides an opportunity for our students that no other university has—we are proud to educate and train the future workforce that will contribute to the Pantex mission.”

###

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration's Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

CONTACT
Dr. Amberly Winningham
Communications
(806) 340.2624
amberly.winningham@pantex.doe.gov

80-year-old buildings replaced with modern facility

AMARILLO, Texas – Pantex's modernization efforts continue as antiquated structures are removed and new buildings are erected as replacement facilities. Two years ago, Pantex broke ground on the Advanced Fabrication Facility (AFF), replacing structures built nearly 80 years ago.

For more than 58 years, Pantex has manufactured high–explosive (HE) charges for every weapon in the nation's nuclear stockpile. The AFF, with an approximate cost of $21 million, has a footprint of 20,000 square feet and will provide a more efficient and cleaner workspace for development and testing operations.

“The AFF will enable Pantex to support Weapon Modernization Program production, which directly impacts deliverables to our Department of Defense customer and global security for the nation,” said Jason Armstrong, Pantex Field Office Manager. “Completion of this facility is another example of our commitment to our mission and to our designation as the National Nuclear Security Administration High Explosives Center of Excellence for manufacturing.”

Pantex HE production is wide–ranging; providing cradle–to–grave HE manufacturing for all weapons programs. The AFF replaces an inadequate legacy facility with an annual maintenance cost exceeding $470,000. It also allows for consolidation of operations from three World War II–era buildings, allowing for improvements in operations and efficiency.

Senior Director of Explosives Technology Operations Monty Cates is proud of the unique HE work performed at Pantex. “The AFF is a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of the people who worked on it, such as the contractor and subcontractor partners, Construction Projects, Engineering, Production Projects, the Advanced Fabrication team, and many others,” said Cates. “This facility houses some of the most technically advanced subtractive and additive manufacturing machines available, which will positively impact Pantex's ability to support the Global Security Mission now and in the future.”

Other near–term construction projects supporting the HE mission include the High Explosives Science and Engineering Facility and the High Explosives Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility.

###

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration's Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

B61-12 modification is completed ahead of schedule

AMARILLO, Texas– The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and PanTeXas Deterrence LLC, (PXD) Manager and Operator (M&O) of the Pantex Plant, announce completion of the last production unit of the B61–12 modification.

The B61 nuclear weapon has been in service since 1968, with numerous performance modifications. For more than a decade, thousands of workers across the nation's Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) have focused on the B61's life extension program (LEP), updating or replacing weapons components, extending its service life by at least 2 decades.

“Completing the B61–12 is the result of extensive collaboration across the nuclear security enterprise and represents a major technical achievement,” said Teresa Robbins, Assistant Principal Deputy Administrator for Operations at the National Nuclear Security Administration. “For over 40 years, Pantex has been the nation's primary nuclear weapon assembly, disassembly, and life–extension center – the work you do here is critical to our nation's security and your performance reflects positively on the entire enterprise.”

“It's complicated to execute our mission, and that entire team has to operate to near perfection, in order to achieve this kind of milestone,” according to Kelly Beierschmitt, PXD President and General Manager.

The ending of the current version of the B61 weapon marks one of the biggest modifications ever attempted within the NSE.

“So, this is a very large program,” said Todd Welchlen, Senior Project Manager for NNSA NA–125.1. “We have Pantex, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos, Savannah River, and Kansas City. We've also integrated Boeing and we've got the Department of Defense represented as well.”

“I think it's really been a good collaboration between all the organizations, all the sites in the country, have contributed in some way to making sure we have this modification that helps deliver something that the military needs,” said Joseph Papp, PXD Senior Director of Production Engineering.

“I am very proud of the teamwork and want to personally thank the entire NNSA for making this happen. Teamwork was essential in completing this very important milestone. The challenges were communicated early, and this dedicated team worked to resolve them with urgency, “ said Jason Armstrong, Pantex Field Office Manager.

Realizing a final completion of a record for any weapons system's modification is a major milestone and it represents another successful chapter in the history of the B61–12.

“The significance of this accomplishment is great when you zoom out and think about the role the B61–12 plays in our overall nuclear deterrent, not only for our nation, but for our allies, as well as the globe,” said Colby Yeary, PXD Mission Assurance Officer. “The analogy of having a puzzle and all the puzzle pieces fitting together comes to mind...and without the B61–12, we would have an incomplete puzzle.”

That sentiment was echoed by Beierschmitt. “The world's not gotten safer, it's gotten more challenging with geopolitics, and every time we make a delivery, every time we do something on schedule, it signals to the entire world that this deterrent is strong.”

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

WASHINGTON – On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) completed the Last Production Unit (LPU) of the B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP). The B61-12 is the latest modification to the B61 family of gravity bombs, which are deployed from U.S. Air Force and North Atlantic Treaty Organization bases. The B61 family of bombs has over 50 years of service, making it the oldest and most versatile weapon in the enduring U.S. nuclear weapon stockpile. The B61-12 LEP, which is critical to sustaining the Nation’s air delivered nuclear deterrent capability, extends the service life by at least 20 years through refurbishing, reusing, or replacing all the bomb’s nuclear and non-nuclear components

Read the full release on the NNSA website.

Pantex Field Office welcomes new M&O partner

AMARILLO, Texas – In June of this year, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced that it selected PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) as the new management and operating (M&O) entity for the Pantex Plant. PXD consists of BWXT Technical Services Group, Fluor Federal Services, SOC, and the Texas A&M University System.

The contract transition is now complete, and as of November 1, 2024, PXD assumed the responsibilities of managing and operating the Pantex site. The contract includes a transition period, which started in mid-July 2024, and a five-year base period with three five-year options, for a total contract period of up to 20 years, if all options are exercised. The estimated value of the contract is $1.5 billion annually. 
  
“We're very excited and proud to be at Pantex and to be working with the NNSA,” said Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt, PXD President and General Manager. “Pantex and Pantexans have a reputation for getting the job done. PXD will maintain that reputation and incorporate innovation opportunities where possible,” he added. “It's an honor to work with the patriots that drive this mission.”

Jason Armstrong, NNSA Pantex Field Office Manager shared those sentiments also. “The NNSA Pantex Field Office is looking forward to working alongside our M&O partner and will continue to enable and execute the Pantex mission and make sure it's done compliantly and safely, never forgetting the overall importance of delivering for our national security mission.”

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on the site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) released its Enterprise Blueprint, a 25-year plan to align the delivery of specialized infrastructure with demands across the nuclear stockpile, global security, and naval nuclear propulsion missions. The Blueprint prioritizes capabilities for mission delivery and takes a practical approach to becoming a more balanced, responsive, and resilient enterprise.

Read the full release on the NNSA website.

More than $1.34 million dollars granted to area non-profits in history of program

AMARILLO, Texas– In its continuing tradition of granting requests from regional non-profit groups, Pantex has donated another $117,070.53 to twelve such groups, distributed with the assistance of the Amarillo Area Foundation.

Now in its ninth year, the fund has awarded a cumulative $1.34 million dollars with 164 grants to non-profits in the Texas Panhandle. The CNS Pantex Community Investment Fund is a partnership between Consolidated Nuclear Security, the managing and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant, and the Amarillo Area Foundation.

Amarillo Area Foundation CEO Clay Stribling said “We so appreciate our great partnership with CNS Pantex and their employees. They are fantastic community partners who truly believe in investing in the well-being of residents in our community. This program is an annual reminder of their generosity and commitment to our region.”

CNS first met with the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2014 to create an innovative and effective method for contributing to the community in a way that would also better engage Pantex employees. The Pantex Community Investment team is comprised of about a dozen Pantex employees voluntarily serving a two-year term on the committee, which listens to all the proposals and then makes the decisions regarding Pantex’s philanthropic gifts.

“Our goal is to give Pantexans a voice in determining where corporate dollars are invested in the community where they work,” said Ashlee Estlack, Pantex Site Communications Manager. “As a company, we are extremely pleased to partner with the Amarillo Area Foundation and community organizations for the betterment of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle—where our employees work, live, and give.”

The 2024 Pantex Community Investment Grant Award recipients are:

• Against All Odds Social Services: $10,000 to support cost involved with new clients aging out of foster care.
• Amarillo Independent School Foundation: $10,000 to support the Families in Transition Emergency Fund supporting for homeless students & resources.
• Amarillo Little Theatre: $8,712 for Check out ALT! covering admission for library cardholders.
• Another Chance House: $10,000 to support the self-sufficiency program.
• Brothers-Sisters of Our Military Adventures: $10,000 to support Hunting with Heroes Program.
• Camp Alphie: $10,000 to support Kid’s Camp for kids with cancers and their siblings.
• Downtown Women’s Center: $10,000 for support of program support for DWC’s Recovery Program.
• Dumas Education and Social Ministries: $10,000 to support the Senior Food Pantry.
• Family Support Services: $10,000 to upgrade the security system at the Safe House shelter for domestic violence survivors.
• Martha’s Home: $10,000 to support Present Needs and Future Success helping keep individuals enrolled and completing their education.
• Texas Ramp Project: $10,000 to support Texas Panhandle ramp projects.
• Transformations by Amarillo Angels: $8,358.53 to support back-to-school support for children, youth and families experiencing foster care.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Sites reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and money

Consolidated Nuclear Security’s Sustainability and Stewardship team was recently honored for their commitment to sustainable purchasing at Pantex Plant and the Y-12 National Security Complex.

Amarillo, Texas— Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) has been recognized as a 2024 EPEAT Purchaser Award winner, celebrating leaders in sustainable electronics procurement. The award comes from the Global Electronics Council (GEC), the non-profit organization that manages the EPEAT ecolabel.

CNS operates the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for the National Nuclear Security Administration. EPEAT allows the two sites to efficiently address the lifecycle impacts of the electronics purchases, including computers, displays, printers, copiers, network equipment, mobile phones, servers, photovoltaic modules, inverters, and televisions.

Recognized for purchases in four categories

Pantex and Y-12 were both recognized for purchasing sustainable electronic products in four categories. This is the fourth consecutive year Pantex has been recognized, and the eighth year for Y-12.

As shown in the infographic prepared by GEC, Pantex realized a cost savings in excess of $60,000 for purchasing sustainable electronic products. With these purchases, greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 17 typical passenger cars off the road for a year, and the energy savings is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 10 average U.S. households.

Also shown, Y-12’s purchases with a cost savings in excess of $160,000. These purchases reduced greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 192 typical passenger vehicles off the road for a year. The energy saved is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 278 average U.S. households.

Reducing environmental impact

“Knowing our sustainability efforts make a significant difference in the environmental impact of our operations is the ultimate reward,” said CNS Sustainability and Stewardship Manager Jan Jackson. “Having our efforts validated by the Global Electronics Council helps assure our communities that we are making progress in sustainability and stewardship of the sites.”

By using EPEAT in purchasing contracts, vendors are required to only provide electronics that meet strict sustainability criteria. These products are more energy efficient, less toxic, longer lasting, and easier to recycle and also address labor and human rights issues along the entire supply chain. Buying these sustainable products minimizes the environmental impact of operations for both sites as they support their national security missions.

As shown in this infographic, the Pantex Plant realized savings in excess of $60,000 by purchasing sustainable electronic products.

As shown in this infographic, Y-12 National Security realized a cost savings of more than $160,000 by purchasing sustainable products.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov