NNSA, Sandia, KCNSC Cut Ribbon on CAMINO

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The ability to rapidly design and manufacture hardware for nuclear weapons and other missions is essential to develop new systems at pace to meet the nation’s security needs. On Feb. 12, leaders from Sandia and NNSA cut the ribbon on the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation, or CAMINO, a capability that enables rapid prototyping and shortens development life cycles.

“CAMINO is a network of labs, partners, and physical and digital capabilities that connect foundational research to real-world applications,” Labs Director Laura McGill said. “The key is a design and production model that accelerates technology maturation and reduces process steps.

“What CAMINO ultimately delivers is speed, readiness and resilience. And that matters for deterrence.”

About 120 people attended the event at CAMINO, located at the Science and Technology Park outside Kirtland Air Force Base. Its location reflects Sandia’s intent to collaborate with the nuclear security enterprise, industry and academia by offering space and technology for partners to translate concepts into tangible results that support a safer nation.

Laura spoke along with NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams, Kansas City National Security Campus President and CEO Eric Wollerman and Sandia Associate Labs Director Steven Girrens. Leaders and staff from NNSA, the Kansas City National Security Campus and Sandia joined the stage for the ribbon cutting.

Sandia is the design agency for many non-nuclear components in the nation’s nuclear deterrent while the Kansas City National Security Campus is the production agency. CAMINO will allow the production agency to get involved earlier, when parts are being designed, to drive increased producibility.

“This facility reflects how we will operate going forward. We must be integrated across disciplines, connected across organizations and focused on delivering at the pace national security demands of us,” Laura said.