Amarillo: $65M explosives facility 85% complete

AMARILLO – The National Nuclear Security Administration has announced the $65 million, 45,000-sf High Explosives Pressing Facility at its Pantex Plant is more than 85 percent complete.

The roof of the structure is complete, along with all blast-resistant doors, offices, explosive processing equipment and new modern high explosive presses. The remaining work to be done includes the installation of cranes overhead, flooring, the electrical wiring and mechanical system.

The facility will allow for safer weapon production and explosive testing, because the design requires less movement and relocation of high explosives within the plant.

Construction began on the facility in late 2011 and will be completed by summer 2014. Operations will begin in September 2016.