Press Releases

Image Provided by West Texas A&M University

Newly created role developed to accelerate modernization, expand R&D, and deepen regional academic partnerships

AMARILLO, TX–PanTeXas Deterrence LLC (PXD), the management and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant, has named distinguished educator and materials researcher Dr. Emily Hunt as its inaugural Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

The newly created executive post marks a forward-thinking investment in Pantex’s future, designed to advance its technical posture, accelerate site-wide modernization, and expand research and development capabilities central to the nuclear security enterprise, as prioritized by President Donald Trump in modernizing America’s nuclear production capacity. As CTO, Dr. Hunt will serve as the plant's lead scientist, steering the long-term innovation strategy and cultivating next-generation scientific capabilities.

"Dr. Hunt brings a unique blend of nationally recognized scientific acumen, executive leadership, and deep regional roots to Pantex," said Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt, President and General Manager of PXD. "Her proven track record in applied science, energetic materials research, and workforce development directly aligns with our mission to modernize and innovate. Appointing an executive who understands both our mission requirements and the strength of the Texas Panhandle's higher education ecosystem position us to lead the enterprise forward from day one."

A Proven Innovator with Deep Regional Ties

A mechanical engineer by training, Dr. Hunt earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. Her relationship with Pantex spans more than two decades, beginning as an engineering intern on-site before establishing an international reputation in energetic materials, explosive processing, and nanocomposites.

Dr. Hunt joins Pantex from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), where she has served since 2005. As the founding dean of WTAMU's College of Engineering in 2020, she transformed engineering education across the region, building public-private research alliances and graduating top-tier engineering talent who now serve critical roles throughout the national security enterprise. Most recently, she served as WTAMU’s Associate Vice President for Research Development and Innovation.

Across her academic tenure, Dr. Hunt secured more than $11 million in competitive research funding, founded the Energetic Materials Laboratory, and established the Panhandle Institute for Engineering Research. An inventor and prolific scholar, she holds multiple U.S. patents, has authored nine books and more than 90 publications, and remains a national champion for STEM workforce pipelines.

Returning Full Circle to Advance National Security

Dr. Hunt’s appointment bridges academia, regional talent development, and vital national deterrence missions.

"Returning to Pantex to build this new office is both an honor and a meaningful homecoming," said Dr. Hunt. "My career has been dedicated to solving complex technical challenges while cultivating the next generation of engineers and scientists in the Panhandle. I am thrilled to partner with Pantex’s exceptional team to expand our cutting-edge R&D, drive scientific excellence, and ensure our national security posture remains stronger than ever."

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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 Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

Almost $1.6 million dollars awarded to area non-profits organizations in 10 years

AMARILLO, TX – In its tradition of honoring grant requests to area non-profit groups, Pantex donated $80,000 this year to eight such groups, distributed with the assistance of the Amarillo Area Foundation.

The Pantex Community Investment Fund project was created in 2015 and in the last 10 years, has awarded a cumulative $1.56 million dollars through 183 grants to non-profits in the Texas Panhandle. The fund is a partnership between PanTeXas Deterrence LLC (PXD), the managing and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant, and the Amarillo Area Foundation.

“Pantex is very much invested in our community, and our partnership with the Amarillo Area Foundation, supporting local growth and development while giving Pantexans a voice in determining where corporate dollars are invested,” according to PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt. “We are pleased to partner with the Amarillo Area Foundation and area non-profits across the Texas Panhandle, where Pantexans live, work, and raise their families.”

Pantex partnered with the Amarillo Area Foundation to create an innovative and effective method for contributing to the community while also engaging Pantex employee participation. The Pantex Community Investment Fund committee is comprised of approximately a dozen Pantexans who volunteer to serve a two-year term on the committee, which listens to and reviews grant proposals before making the decisions regarding Pantex’s philanthropic gifts.

"Through our long-standing partnership with Pantex, we are honored to support nonprofit organizations that are making a measurable difference all across the Texas Panhandle,” said Keralee Clay, AAF President & CEO. “This grant cycle allows us to annually amplify the impact of groups working to strengthen families, build community resilience, and create opportunities for those needing it the most. We are especially grateful for the generosity of Pantex employees, whose commitment to giving back continues to be a powerful force in our communities.”

2026 Pantex Grant Recipients $80,000 in total allocations

1. Downtown Women’s Center: $10,000 — Funding provided will support programs and services for women recovering from substance use disorders and their children.
2. Family Support Services: $10,000 — Funding provides prevention staff with program supplies, food, and support needed to deliver youth and family programming that builds safe, healthy communities.
3. High Plains Children’s Home & Family Services, Inc.: $10,000 — Funding will be used to purchase one large generator, accessories, and installation, providing power to housing during power outages.
4. High Plains Food Bank: $10,000 — Funding will be used toward food, supplies or equipment purchases for the Kids Cafe program.
5. Hope Lives Here: $10,000 — The funds will be used to help cover the cost for 12 Veteran/service dog teams. They will also assist with supplies and facilities to accommodate services.
6. Jack Duncan Rhodes Foundation $10,000 — Funds will be used at Jack’s Place Youth Counseling Center to increase no cost counseling sessions to meet demand.
7. The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center: $10,000 — Provide services for approximately six Texas Panhandle children in the wake of abuse or witnessing violence.
8. White Deer-Skellytown Lighthouse Food Pantry: $10,000 — Funds will used to purchase protein to supplement clients’ diets with the goal of providing one meal per day per person in each client family.

PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt addresses the crowd attending the 2026 Pantex Investment Grants Ceremony at the Amarillo Area Foundation.

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

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

AMARILLO, TX– Pantex recently began construction on a new building that will provide around 14,000-square-feet of modern office space for its workforce. The Flexible Support Facility II incorporates new technologies, allows for efficient travel to and from common job-sites, and is designed to house teams that often collaborate on complex projects.

“This new office building will allow us to bring these vital teams together under one roof where they can collaborate using the most up-to-date technologies possible and can efficiently travel to areas of the plant where their expertise is needed,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said.

Pantex Plant, located near Amarillo, Texas, has for decades been the nation’s primary assembly, disassembly, and life-extension center for nuclear weapons. It also serves as the National Nuclear Security Administration’s High Explosives Center of Excellence for Manufacturing.

“We are very excited by this period of growth at Pantex. This is just one of several construction projects at the site. Each project is designed to better meet the current and future needs of our mission – to safely and securely maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrence,” Beierschmitt said. “Some of these new facilities bring together specific tasks that were spread across multiple buildings. Other facilities, like this one, bring together people who will work better and provide a better product by being co-located,” he added.

The Flexible Support Facility II follows a commercial construction approach to allow for cost savings and accelerated construction, with a projected completion date in mid-2028.

“This facility is one example of how we are modernizing Pantex, in this case by using the same ENERGY STAR design used at the Nevada National Security Site,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong. “Sharing standard, scalable building designs across Nuclear Security Enterprise sites means we can ultimately reduce design costs and accelerate construction of office buildings like this and other non-nuclear facilities.”

Pantex will soon open the High Explosives Science and Engineering Facility and break ground on the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility, further solidifying Pantex as NNSA’s High Explosives Center of Excellence for Manufacturing.

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt addresses the crowd during the Flexible Support Facility groundbreaking. Photo by Adam Baker.

A crowd gathers to hear remarks by PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt. Photo by Adam Baker.

Leaders from PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, the Pantex Field Office, and contractor Hensel Phelps come together to break ground on the Flexible Support Facility. Photo by Adam Baker.

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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 Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

AMARILLO, TX – The Pantex Plant has achieved a significant milestone in national nuclear security deterrence by completing the first production unit (FPU) of the W76 Mk4B. This accomplishment comes just over five years after the program began, highlighting the dedication to the United States’ nuclear deterrent by sites from across the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Pantex completed the FPU three months ahead of schedule. The W76 Mk4B builds upon the W76, which is a
series comprising the largest percentage of strategic weapons in the U.S. nuclear inventory and is a key component of the Trident II (D5) missile system. This milestone is of immense importance, primarily because it represents a critical step in maintaining and enhancing the United States' nuclear deterrence capabilities

The effort was a collaborative achievement involving Pantex, Kansas City National Security Campus, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, the United States Navy, and Lockheed Martin. Each entity played an integral role, navigating challenges that included component producibility, testing-hardware availability, and facility capacity. Effective communication and collaboration among the sites were crucial to overcoming these challenges and achieving the FPU.

“Reaching this milestone required a great deal of effort not only from Pantex employees, but thousands of workers at NSE sites across the country, including NNSA and Department of War personnel,” said Kelly Beierschmitt, president and general manager of PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, the management and operating contractor for the Pantex Plant. “The success of this program has required the highest standards of safety, security, and quality from everyone involved. I personally want to commend these workers for their contributions to the effectiveness and completion of this milestone while ensuring our nation’s nuclear deterrence.”

“Achieving the W76 Mk4B FPU ahead of schedule demonstrates the NSE’s ability to accelerate mission delivery to meet the nation’s needs,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong. “The collaboration among NSE labs, plants, and sites that led to this milestone is truly commendable and is what enables us to deliver to the Navy what’s required to meet our national security objectives.”

"As Pantex began working with the other sites on the program, we identified the opportunity to complete the FPU early, which benefits the nation by delivering the NNSA’s national security mission ahead of schedule," said Pantex W76 program manager Norbert Chmura. “Recently, Pantex successfully completed a number of production responsibilities early, which meant our facilities were available for an earlier start time on the W76 Mk4B. While that sounds easy, pulling a program forward requires additional effort from all of the NSE sites working on the program. The accelerated timeline is indicative of the great teamwork by all involved.”

With the W76 Mk4B FPU now complete, Pantex and its NSE partners continue to work together to navigate future challenges and strengthen the nation’s defense.

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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 Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

AMARILLO – Pantex, the National Nuclear Security Administration’s High Explosives Center of Excellence for Manufacturing, kicked off a new era of weapons maintenance and surveillance today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its new High Explosives Science and Engineering (HESE) facility.

“The HESE is yet another important upgrade in our continued investment in modern technology,” Pantex Production Operations Division Director Carl Beard said. “The facility serves as another critical piece in fortifying Pantex’s role within the Nuclear Security Enterprise.”

The structure opened in May 2026 for operations; just over five years after construction began in November 2020. The HESE allows Pantex to continue to fulfill its vital role today, while positioning itself for the future.

"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,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said. “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 new facility combines activities performed at 15 aging facilities, and refines the space for the development of technology supporting the plant’s weapons maintenance and surveillance mission. The building consolidates several groups under one roof, allowing for more efficient collaboration.

“The HESE will enable Pantex to continue delivering on our mission to provide the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile to the Department of War in support of national and global security,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong. “This facility will also allow us to optimize for tomorrow as we develop new and innovative ways to accommodate and meet future weapon modernization and production demands.”

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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 Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Ashlee Estlack
Communications
(C) 806.662.4687
ashlee.estlack@pantex.doe.gov

AMARILLO, TX– PanTexas Deterrence, LLC, (PXD) the management and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant and the Amarillo Area Foundation (AAF) are now accepting proposals from nonprofit and charitable institutions throughout the 26 northernmost counties in the Texas Panhandle.

Application opens Monday, April 6, and closes at noon May 1, 2026. Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $10,000 and the submissions will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee for the Pantex Community Investment Fund, a component fund of the Amarillo Area Foundation.

Organizations who fit the eligibility requirements and whose work is in line with the priorities are encouraged to apply. Only one application per organization will be accepted and prior recipients with an open Pantex grant are not eligible.

The priorities for funding are:

• Basic Needs (Food, Clothing, and Shelter)
• Children, Youth, and Family
• Community Development
• Education
• Health and Wellness

Priority will be given to proposals from organizations located and operating in one of the 12 contiguous counties surrounding the Pantex Plant with preference given to projects that serve multiple priority counties. These counties are Armstrong, Carson, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hutchison, Moore, Oldham, Potter, Randall, and Swisher.

For more information go to https://www.amarilloareafoundation.org/pantex/.

Applications are available online on the Amarillo Area Foundation’s Spectrum Portal. To register or log in, go to https://aaf.spectrumportal.net/.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Raul Rodarte-Suto at 806.376.4521 or raul@aaf-hf.org.

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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 Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Darla Fish
Communications
Office (806) 573.0484

Darla.Fish@pantex.doe.gov

AMARILLO, TX – Officials with the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and the Pantex Plant, operated by PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, (PXD), today celebrated the successful completion of the Last Production Unit (LPU) of the W88 Alteration (Alt) 370 nuclear warhead in November 2025.

Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the NNSA Brandon Williams was in attendance for site tours, briefings, and served as keynote speaker for the LPU celebration event. Also in attendance were National Security Enterprise partners in achieving the milestone, representatives of the U.S Navy, and Pantex local stakeholders.

“Reaching this LPU milestone required tremendous effort from all Pantex employees, along with the co-operation and collaboration from thousands of workers at Nuclear Security Enterprise sites across the country, and a close working relationship with the NNSA” PXD President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said. “The success of this program demands the highest standards of safety, security, and quality from all involved. I commend everyone involved for their contributions.”

“Delivering on the W88 LPU is a proud moment and successful enterprise-wide team effort,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong. “This milestone also exemplifies NNSA’s commitment to provide the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile to the Department of War in support of national and global security.”

This alteration of the W88 is part of NNSA's multi-faceted strategy to ensure the United States nuclear deterrent continues to be safe, secure, and effective. The W88 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile nuclear warhead that entered the stockpile in late 1988.

The W88 Alt 370 program entered the development engineering phase in 2012 and production engineering began in early 2017. The W88 Alt 370 First Production Unit (FPU) was successfully completed in July 2021, ahead of schedule through outstanding teamwork from the Pantex Plant, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, Kansas City Nuclear Security Campus, and Y-12 National Security Complex.

The W88 Alt 370 program replaced certain aspects of the weapons system and refreshed the conventional high explosives within the weapon to enhance nuclear safety and support future life extension program options.

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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 Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Prolonging a rich legacy of gas analysis operations

AMARILLO, Texas – The everchanging landscape at Pantex has yet another addition on the horizon with the recent groundbreaking of the new Analytical Gas Laboratory. The existing facility, which was built in 1944 and assumed gas lab testing in 1968, is being replaced by a 12,750-square-foot building equipped with modern equipment and testing capabilities. The structure will provide employees with state-of-the-art updates to continue providing analytical support to both Pantex and Y-12.

The new facility, with an estimated investment of approximately $36 million, will include office space for engineers and scientists and modernized equipment for more accurate and efficient sampling to support production at the two sites.

“The new Analytical Gas Lab facility is a critical component in assuring the long-term quality and reliability of our nuclear deterrent,” Operations Division Director, Carl Beard said.

The lab will continue to support production by analyzing gas samples for all weapons programs and several weapons components. New technology will incorporate a digital workflow and more consistent tracking that can follow the samples and identify components more precisely.

“This modernized facility will enable us to continue to adapt to changing times, processes, and technology,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said. “This is yet another important accomplishment in our continued role of serving the nation.”

“This investment ensures that our nation's capabilities remain at the forefront of defense technology and scientific innovation,” Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong said. “It also reflects our commitment to modernizing Pantex to meet the demands of our mission.”

Pantex continues to invest in its people and infrastructure as well as its role in the nuclear deterrent process, with additional projects underway. With several additional projects underway the site continues to prove its dedication to modernization and continuing its strong legacy of serving the nation.

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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 Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Almost $1.5 million dollars awarded to area non-profits organizations over 10 years

AMARILLO, TX– In its tradition of honoring grant requests to area non-profit groups, Pantex donated $81,000 this year to nine such groups, distributed with the assistance of the Amarillo Area Foundation.

Now in its tenth year, the Pantex Community Investment Fund has awarded a cumulative $1.42 million dollars through 173 grants to non-profits in the Texas Panhandle. The Fund is a partnership between PanTeXas Deterrence LLC (PXD), the managing and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant, and the Amarillo Area Foundation.

According to Pantex Mission Assurance Division Director Colby Yeary, “Pantex is invested in our community, and our partnership with the Amarillo Area Foundation supports local growth and development while giving Pantexans a voice in determining where corporate dollars are invested. Pantex is pleased to partner with the Amarillo Area Foundation and area non-profits across the Texas Panhandle, where our employees, live, work, and make a difference every day.”

Pantex partnered with the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2014 to create an innovative and effective method for contributing to the community while also engaging Pantex employee participation. The Pantex Community Investment Fund committee is comprised of approximately a dozen Pantexans who volunteer to serve a two-year term on the committee, which listens to and reviews grant proposals before making the decisions regarding Pantex’s philanthropic gifts.

"Through our long-standing partnership with Pantex, we are honored to support nonprofit organizations that are making a measurable difference across the Texas Panhandle,” said Keralee Clay, Interim AAF President & CEO. “Each year, this grant cycle allows us to amplify the impact of groups working to strengthen families, build community resilience, and create opportunities for those who need it most. We are especially grateful for the generosity of Pantex employees, whose commitment to giving back continues to be a powerful force for good in our communities.”

2025 Pantex Grant Recipients
$81,000 in total allocations

1. Bridges to Life: 2025 Fall Clements Unit Project: $10,000 to be used for project expenses including course materials, graduation expenses, mileage and salary for Regional Coordinator, payroll taxes, and management allocation.



2. Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle: $9,856 to provide 176 CURE Kits calculated at $56 each of which are projected to supplement one client’s homebound box for two months.



3. Downtown Women’s Center: $10,000 for the DWC Recovery Program: to support programs and services for women recovering from substance use disorders, and for their children.



4. Hope Lives Here: $10,000 for Harley’s Legacy to help cover the cost for 12 veteran/service dog teams, and to assist with supplies and facilities to accommodate services.



5. Panhandle Angels Foundation: $10,000 for Panhandle Cancer Children Support- to assist families actively battling childhood cancer by helping with normal living and travel expenses that occur around treatment when unable to help themselves.



6. Project Feed the Kids Inc: $7,644 for Project Feed the Kids for food costs.



7. Texas Ramp Project: $10,000 to support lumber, materials, and tools to build free wheelchair ramps for low-income adults and others with disabilities in the Panhandle.



8. The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center: $10,000 to Children’s Advocacy Services: to provide services including forensic interviews and medical exams, mental health referral, Victim of Crime Act applications, and case coordination with a multidisciplinary team for 10 children.



9. Tralee Crisis Center for Women: $3,500 for Non-Residential Assistance Project: to provide emergency financial assistance for clients who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes.

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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 Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Setting the stage for environmental safety excellence

AMARILLO, Texas – The skyline at Pantex continues to change with the addition of the new Environmental Sampling Facility. Replacing the existing space used for Environmental Project’s sampling, well maintenance activities, and Industrial Hygiene‘s Field Sampling Lab, the 11,000-square-foot facility will move the labs closer to the people and infrastructure they support — adding much-needed storage for samples and lab instruments.

The Environmental Sampling Facility, with an estimated investment of approximately $28 million, will provide two new labs, office space, and a parking lot.

“This facility will be extremely beneficial to the people in Environmental and Industrial Hygiene," Environment, Safety, and Health Division Director Harry Gulley said. "Both groups will be housed in a centralized location on plant site, which will improve efficiency by having equipment and teams in one place. This groundbreaking is exciting for ES&H as we continue safely serving Pantex’s mission.”

The new Industrial Hygiene lab will be used to process samples from all areas of the plant to ensure the safety of Pantexans. Lab personnel play a key role in overseeing personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and closely monitor plant operations for safety. The Sampling and Analysis Lab will support sampling on- and off-site for Environmental Projects, Environmental Compliance, and Waste Operations — ensuring that Pantex complies with environmental regulations and DOE requirements.

“It takes a lot of people doing many different things to make sure every unit meets a very high set of standards,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said. “Investing in our facilities is also investing in our people. We take great pride in our people. We expect them to safely perform at the highest level to deliver the mission with excellence.”

“The construction of the Environmental Sampling Facility is an investment in Pantex’s future,” Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong said. “This facility will provide us with the tools and resources we need to strengthen our environmental stewardship, protect our workforce, and support our national security mission. We are confident that this facility will have a positive and lasting impact on Pantex, our community, and the environment.”

Other construction projects currently underway or in the planning stages include the High Explosives Science and Engineering Facility; the High Explosives Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility; and the newly funded Gas Lab.

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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