NNSA Completes New Facility to Strengthen Nuclear Security and Modernize Weapons Infrastructure

WASHINGTON - The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) announced the completion of Pantex Plant's High Explosives Science and Engineering facility (HESE), which consolidates activities previously performed across 15 World War II-era facilities and refines the space for technology development supporting the plant's weapons maintenance and surveillance mission.

The new facility brings key high explosives science, engineering, and technology development functions under one roof enabling better collaboration and more efficient operations with modern infrastructure that can adapt to evolving mission requirements and emerging threats.

"This facility is a major step forward in strengthening and modernizing America's nuclear deterrent," said NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams. "Critical missions have relied on World War II-era infrastructure for far too long that do not meet today's security challenges. This facility changes that. HESE will give Pantex the modern, mission equipped space needed to advance essential high-explosive work-and it's built for what comes next. That's how we deliver a safe, secure, and reliable deterrent and uphold our commitment to peace through atomic strength."

NNSA's Pantex Plant is the hub of the High Explosives Center of Excellence for Manufacturing and the nation's primary site for the final assembly, dismantlement and maintenance of nuclear weapons. HESE will support technological development tied to weapons maintenance and surveillance, while helping Pantex accommodate future modernization and production requirements.

"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 facility opened for operation just over five years after construction began in November 2020. The High Explosives Science and Engineering facility allows Pantex to continue fulfilling its vital role today while positioning the plant for the future.