Pinellas Plant Largo, Florida
The primary mission of the Pinellas Plant is the design, development, and manufacture of special electronic and mechanical nuclear weapons components, such as neutron-generating devices, neutron detectors, and associated product testers. Other work involves electronic, ceramic, and high-vacuum technology. Since 1956, the primary mission of Pinellas has been to develop and produce neutron generators for the nation's nuclear weapons program. These unique components consist of a miniaturized linear ion accelerator and pulsed electrical power supply. To produce these devices, the Plant has acquired facilities and expertise that have broader commercial applicability.
The Plant's facilities occupy 715,000 square feet on almost 100 acres midway between Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Florida. They include special testing laboratories for evaluating gases, metals, ceramics, and other materials used in weapons production and for controlling the process parameters under which these materials are formed.
In addition to obtaining devices for neutron generation and detection, Pinellas has acquired design, development, and production capabilities for an array of related products and technological areas, among which are:
- Alumina ceramics, cermet (electrical) feedthroughs, and glass ceramics.
- Environmentally safe solvents to replace hazardous solvents for cleaning and coating applications.
- Ultra-clean, high-vacuum technologies.
- Hermetic seals between metals and glass, ceramics, or glass-ceramic composites.
- Test and process control equipment.
- Equipment for generating and measuring high voltages.
- Specialized electronic components such as lightning arrester connectors, optoelectronics, capacitors, vacuum switches, crystal resonators, and shock transducers.
- Active and reserve battery technologies.
- Sophisticated computer-aided engineering.
The Pinellas Plant was a major contributor to the Tampa Bay economy for over thirty-nine years. Peak employment was over 2,000 as late as 1992, the 1993 staff was 1,150, and approximately 635 in early 1996. In conjunction with the nuclear weapons complex consolidation, DOE ended its weapons production mission at the Pinellas Plant in 1995, and transferred the facility to the Pinellas County Industry Council to help alleviate the economic impact of the closing on neighboring communities. A technology transfer program has been established at Pinellas Plant so its capabilities can be shared with U.S. companies. Its staff's expertise is available to help industries solve product development and manufacturing problems.
 Pinellas Plant |
 Pinellas Plant |
