Mineral County Independent-News
Day & Zimmermann (D&Z) returned to Hawthorne on July 29 for a community Town Hall that drew a mix of more than 85 depot employees, former D&Z/SOC employees, veterans, civic leaders, and residents — all eager to hear what the longtime depot operator has in store for the future. The town hall was held to discuss the current HWAD (Hawthorne Army Depot) contract opportunity, share the vision for future operations, and invite community input regarding what a strong local partnership should look like.
The presenting team included representatives from: Day & Zimmermann (current prime contractor candidate) and Akima (Alaska Native Corporation and teaming partner).
“We are honored to return and reconnect with the Hawthorne Army Depot community,” Rick Nesbitt, former General Manager, Day & Zimmermann/SOC told attendees, adding thanks to everyone who took part in the evening of open dialogue. Nesbitt opened the session by reminding the audience that, because the Army’s source‑selection is still active, the team could not discuss pricing or staffing diagrams. “Tonight is about dialogue—about understanding what more looks like for Hawthorne,” he said, inviting questions from the floor.
After the event Nesbitt remarked, “It was amazing to not only see the turnout, but also to understand the patriotic need for the Depot to return to its former glory under a new plan. With four decades of dedication to the community and mission, we are excited for the chance to help shape the future.”
A new approach backed by century-long munitions experience
The team outlined how Day & Zimmermann is coupling its century‑long munitions experience with new technologies, and a $3 billion, family‑owned company—resources earmarked for facility and community investments and long‑term career pathways for Mineral County. They stressed that the same core values —that produced an unblemished safety record and lasting integrity in “We Do What We Say”—for more than 40 years of depot stewardship remain at the center of the bid.
Jobs and benefits stay local
Day & Zimmermann discussed the intent to keep key personnel leadership local, maintain job security, competitive wages, and establish clear career paths to support long-term growth in the community.
Community priorities on the table
In the open conversations about the contract’s current state, the community has asked for improvements in: job security; work culture; transparency with better communication; community engagement; and investments in people, equipment, facilities. Employees are looking for a leadership style that listens, respects craft expertise and follows through. A number of community needs were discussed, meanwhile Day & Zimmermann is already establishing a joint economic‑development team and roadmap with Akima and key partners.
Day & Zimmermann Back in Town
Company representatives will continue to engage with the community and be seen around town, with a strong desire to be back on the job. The team sent an open survey out, to gather information and concerns from Hawthorne residents as they arise, with plans to provide more updates through the transition window should D&Z’s bid prove successful (target transition: July 1 – Dec 29, 2026).
Founded nearly 125 years ago, Day & Zimmermann today is a $3B, family‑owned provider of mission‑critical solutions to the U.S. government and commercial clients. The company’s munitions division has manufactured, stored and demilitarized a wide range of ammunition while designing and operating advanced production lines for the Department of Defense. D&Z served Hawthorne Army Depot for more than 40 years with a workforce drawn largely from Mineral County and an unblemished safety record, and it returns today with the same values—Safety, Integrity, Diversity and Success—plus new capital and technology to support both national readiness and community growth.
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