AMARILLO, TEXAS -- It seems the Pantex ordnance plant has been around forever, but while 70 years isn't forever, it is a big chuck of history.
While B&W Pantex is celebrating an anniversary, it's also rejoicing about some new awards.
A plant that turned out conventional bombs that helped end a war continues to maintain safety and security 70 years later.
B&W Pantex President John Woolery said, "Pantex plant was originally opened back during World War II, to manufacture 250 pound and 500 pound conventional bombs. Then immediately following the end of World War II, the plant was retro-fitted to support the nuclear mission that we're currently performing today. We've been doing that now since about 1953, so 70 years total. We're really proud of the accomplishment."
The achievements don't stop there; Pantex was nominated for, and recently received eight National Nuclear Security Administration awards recognizing them for their "stockpile stewardship". "The activities at Pantex represent the combination of a team effort from around the country and they do extraordinary work and when they do that we like to say, "thank you," said Director at NNSA Joseph Oder.
Oder also said B&W continues to complete every task it's given. Having been part of the Pantex family for three generations, retiree Skip Drummond finds another aspect of the plant that just as rewarding. "It's good to be a part of what I consider a very patriotic thing; making nuclear weapons, I think it helps keep the world a safer place," said Drummond. "It's a great place to work. I hope they continue working for a long time. i hope they have another 70 years."
The Pantexans of today and of years past can celebrate 7 decades of ensuring America's security, hope for decades more. "There is a lot of work and it's a matter of just keeping it safe and secure and getting the job done for our country," said Woolery.
Pantex officials say the plant and its legacy will have work that will support them through the year 2030.
