CNS partners with Northrop Grumman for technology development, manufacturing

Martin Williamson (left), senior director of Global Security and Strategic Partnerships for Consolidated Nuclear Security, and Erik Nielsen of Northrop Grumman shake hands after signing an agreement between the two companies to pursue technology development and improve manufacturing processes.

Oak Ridge, Tenn.— Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) recently signed a cooperative research and development agreement with Northrop Grumman. This agreement is the first in six years for CNS.

“This venture unites Consolidated Nuclear Security’s extensive knowledge of machine tooling and design with Northrop Grumman’s expertise in advanced additive manufacturing of tooling.” said Dave Beck, vice president of Program Integration for CNS.

The agreement will focus on additive manufacturing of composites and composite matrices and specialized manufacturing for supply chain assurance, as well as some modeling and simulation activities to reduce risk.

Partners driven by common purpose
Of the agreement, Erik Nielsen of Northrop Grumman said, “Together, we’re investing in emerging technologies, maturing existing technologies, and improving manufacturing processes to support national security.”

One particular area of interest is decreasing the reliance on sole-source suppliers of critical materials, components, and support services. “Developing manufacturing and supply chain solutions for our custom applications is of critical importance to our mission,” said Beck. “We’ll be leveraging Northrop Grumman’s design and manufacturing expertise in this focus area.”

As Nielsen noted, “We’re driven by a common purpose—to protect the U.S. and our allies. The importance of this mission and our role fuels this partnership and our continued innovation.”

Staff from Northrop Grumman and Consolidated Nuclear Security recently gathered to kick off a cooperative research and development agreement.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. CNS member companies include Bechtel National, Inc.; Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, Inc.; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Kathryn King, APR
Communications
Office (865) 315.5996
Kathryn.King@pxy12.doe.gov