Latest news with #Extension
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Pantex completes first B61-13 nuclear bomb unit after B61-12 finale
Just four months after finalizing production on the B61-12, the Pantex Plant has completed the first production unit (FPU) of the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced this week. The milestone, achieved in partnership with PanTeXas Deterrence LLC, marks the latest advance in the United States' nuclear modernization efforts. "In this geopolitical environment, the Nuclear Security Enterprise performs work that saves the world every day,' said Jason Armstrong, manager of the NNSA's Pantex Field Office. 'Through meticulous planning, strong partnerships, and exceptional execution, Pantex and the rest of the enterprise continue to fulfill our mission of protecting America and its allies to help ensure global security.' The B61 nuclear bomb has been in service since 1968. Over the past decade, it underwent an extensive Life Extension Program (LEP) to replace aging components and extend its service life by at least 20 years. That effort culminated in the B61-12, the largest weapons modification ever executed by the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE). Now, the B61-13 builds on that groundwork with updated features and streamlined production processes. 'The FPU is just the start,' said Kelly Beierschmitt, president and general manager of Pantex. 'With every unit comes progress and an enhanced ability for the NSE to deliver if or when the need arises. We do this work to protect our nation, our families, and our communities.' According to Pantex Program Manager Taylor Massey, the B61-13 was developed using a phased approach, allowing engineers to move quickly from design to testing and assembly by leveraging the established design of the B61-12. 'Modernization programs typically follow a detailed product realization process,' Massey said. 'We tailored our approach to accelerate readiness, developing procedures, tooling and testers that allowed us to produce an FPU within a year.' Six NNSA sites contributed to the development and production of the B61-13: Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Kansas City National Security Campus, Y-12 National Security Complex, Savannah River Site, and Pantex. The program reached full authorization in March and is scheduled to enter full-scale production this summer, with completion targeted for fiscal year 2027. 'There are over 200 parts involved in a single unit of the B61-13,' said Mickey Brown, B61 technical lead at Pantex. 'Almost all of those parts are produced by external partners within the NSE, then shipped to us for final assembly.' Massey added that the team's ability to meet aggressive timelines underscores Pantex's capacity for agility and performance. 'Following NNSA guidance to be more agile and flexible has shown we can meet designated production targets,' he said. 'That flexibility extends across everything from engineering and safety evaluations to the technicians on the floor meeting demanding schedules.' This achievement, Massey said, demonstrates that Pantex remains at the forefront of the nation's nuclear production efforts, driven by a skilled and collaborative workforce dedicated to national defense. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Pantex finishes first B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, begins new production phase
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CMTC's Defense Services Strengthen National Security with Custom Manufacturing Solutions
LONG BEACH, Calif., April 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Since 2013, CMTC's Defense Services have played a critical role in supporting U.S. military readiness and resilience by delivering $3.8 million worth of parts for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army. An impressive 90% of these parts were manufactured in California by more than 50 small businesses, underscoring CMTC's commitment to boosting local economy and national defense through their work with California manufacturers. In partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), CMTC has reverse engineered and developed manufacturing drawing packages for over 30 military platforms, including aircraft, naval vessels, and ground vehicles. These efforts have contributed to sustaining and extending the life of critical defense assets. Additionally, CMTC's Cybersecurity Services have equipped defense suppliers across California and the nation with vital cyber defense capabilities, offering over 20 specialized training modules. More than 300 defense suppliers in California alone have participated in CMTC's cybersecurity trainings over the past seven years, reinforcing the integrity of the defense supply chain. As California's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, CMTC has provided California manufacturers with innovative solutions that increase their productivity, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth for over 30 years. In 2024 alone, CMTC served 1,096 manufacturers, contributing to $524 million in total sales impact, $46 million in cost savings, $137 million in new investments, and 21,190 total jobs. From Defense and Cybersecurity Services to Supply Chain Management and Workforce Development, CMTC's services continue to fuel California's GDP and strengthen national security by supporting U.S.-based production, reinforcing domestic supply chains, and driving industrial growth through high-impact job creation across the state. For more information about CMTC, contact Rachel Miller at rmiller@ or 310-984-0096. About California Manufacturing Technology Consulting® (CMTC) Established in 1992, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting® (CMTC) focuses exclusively on manufacturing across California, delivering customized, consultative solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. Backed by seasoned industry professionals, extensive networks, and strong partnerships, CMTC offers cost-effective, top-to-bottom services — from the shop floor to the C-suite. As trusted advisors, CMTC combines deep business management expertise with a passion for helping manufacturers thrive, driving measurable ROI and long-term client success. View source version on Contacts Rachel Miller(310) 984-0096rmiller@
Express Tribune
13-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Lack of storage facilities causes post-harvest losses
A high agricultural yield in a land-based economy would naturally be seen as a positive development. However, in the absence of modern storage, processing, and packaging facilities, surplus production leads to two unfortunate outcomes: either farmers are forced to sell their produce at extremely low prices, or the excess vegetables go to waste. After suffering losses in wheat cultivation last year, a large number of farmers in Punjab turned to seasonal vegetables, including peas, potatoes, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, garlic, carrots, and radishes. As a result of large-scale production, reduced local demand, and low exports, market prices for vegetables dropped to their lowest levels in five years, causing significant financial losses for farmers. Ali Hamza, a farmer from Bhasin, faced heavy losses when he cultivated wheat on 10 acres of land last year. This year, he grew seasonal vegetables such as peas, turnips, carrots, radishes, and greens on five acres instead. However, due to falling market prices, he suffered losses once again. 'I suffered a loss of Rs300,000 in the cabbage and carrot crops alone. Instead of selling the cabbage in the market, I fed it to my cattle as fodder,' said Hamza. Similarly, Mian Afzal, a middleman in the vegetable market, shared that the situation also impacted middlemen who had provided advance payments to farmers for planting vegetables. 'Farmers usually repay the loan after the crop is harvested. Now, they're not even earning enough to cover the cost of harvesting and transporting the crop to market. How will they repay the middlemen?' questioned Afzal. According to Dr. Anjum Ali Buttar, former Director General of the Punjab Agriculture Department (Extension), vegetable cultivation began earlier than usual this season, and favorable weather conditions led to increased production. 'Moreover, this year, vegetables—especially potatoes and cabbage—could not be exported from Punjab to Afghanistan, which increased local supply and drove down prices,' explained Dr. Buttar. Aamir Latif, a senior scientist at the Ayub Agriculture Research Institute in Faisalabad, a government body focused on vegetable research, agreed that increased supply had driven prices down. 'Last year, farmers did not receive fair prices for wheat, so this year they turned to alternative crops, with vegetables at the top of the list,' said Latif. Data from the Punjab Agriculture Department shows that this year, wheat was cultivated on 1.191 million fewer acres. There was also a decrease in the cultivation of gram and green fodder during the Rabi season. In contrast, vegetable cultivation saw significant growth, with the area under peas increasing by 1.18 million acres (64 percent) and potatoes by 1.18 million acres (15 percent). Similarly, onion cultivation rose by 10,800 acres (15 percent). Progressive farmer Aamir Hayat Bhandara pointed out that, because vegetables are perishable, their shelf life could be extended with modern processing, storage, and cold chain facilities. 'This would eliminate the need to rush produce to the market. Dehydrated vegetables are common worldwide as they remain fresh longer, but unfortunately, they are not popular among local consumers,' said Bhandara.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barton County Economic Summit focuses on growth, community development
LAMAR, Mo. — Improving the economic well-being of Barton County residents was the purpose of an economic summit held earlier this month in Lamar. This year's Barton County Economic Summit took place inside the First Baptist Church. Hosted by the Barton County Extension Council, those in attendance got the chance to learn more about the many programs and services available across the county, as well as ones on the state and federal levels. Barton County Economic Summit focuses on growth, community development Student's design chosen for Barton County Memorial Park tribute Lamar water system improvements underway with help from federal ARPA funds Coin collectors stand to benefit from discontinuing the Lincoln penny Two dead in head-on collision in southwest Missouri Agriculture, business, investments, and workforce development were just a handful of the topics covered. 'Extension is here to serve them in a variety of areas, and all the other presenters today are also here to serve them. Whether it's helping with workforce, starting a business, community programs – whatever it might be. These programs are here to serve them and are available to their community,' said Lisa Robinson, UM Extension regional econ. dev. field specialist. 'I think sometimes we don't have the opportunity to get the, like, boots on the ground sort of information, so that's – that's my other hope for today is to make some connections and hopefully bring some opportunities for us to learn more about the community,' said Marisa Martinez, Federal Reserve Bank of KC community dev. advisor. Close to 80 people attended the summit, which also featured Missouri's 127th District Representative, Ann Kelly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Bradford pears may be pretty, but pack an environmental punch. How to get rid of the trees
A Bradford pear tree in bloom is a sure sign that springtime is in the air. You may have noticed the trees by the delicate white flowers they carry, adding to the beautiful seasonal backdrop. However, environmentalists warn that these trees are a threat. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the popular cultivar of Callery pear was once a favorite among landscapers. They were also pest-resistant and disease-free. Today, these trees are known to be an invasive species, growing rapidly and outperforming native plants. The fruits the trees produce are also inedible to humans and provide little to no food for insects, harming the ecosystem. "Birds consume the fruit after frost has softened it, subsequently spreading it, and new suckers can sprout from cut stumps or large roots that are close to the soil surface. It can be very abundant in old fields," said Clemson University. Here's what to know about Bradford pear trees and what native alternatives you can plant instead. Bradford pear trees are a variety of the callery pear, which was introduced to the U.S. from Asia in the early 1900s in an attempt to fight the fire blight of the common pear. The seeds of these trees are easily dispersed by birds, which allows them to "invade open spaces such as pastures, grassland and open woodlands," according to the OSU Extension. The trees grow quickly and form dense thickets, shading out native species and changing plant and wildlife communities. The dense structure of the tree makes it a good roosting place for gregarious blackbirds, grackles and starlings, which are problematic in urban areas. Also, the trees are weak and easily damaged by ice and wind, causing trouble for utilities during bad weather. And, of course, OSU Extension notes that the flowers that bloom in the spring produce an unpleasant smell of rotting fish. OSU Extension recommends these native trees to plant as an alternative to the pretty but harmful Bradford pear trees: Eastern redbud American plum Mexican plum Carolina buckthorn The Extension also recommends having "zero tolerance" for the tree species, and in addition to not planting them, Oklahomans should actually start removing the trees they can. The trees must be completely uprooted, or the use of herbicides is recommended. Mowing is not effective as the trees will resprout. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why do Bradford pear trees smell bad? What to know about invasive tree
