Manufacturing of drone battery cells is set to begin in 2025
Packet Digital is advancing its goal of supplying U.S.-made drone battery cells, securing a location for its new manufacturing plant in Fargo, North Dakota. The facility, set to begin construction in 2024, aims to start production by the end of 2025.
The new 80,000-square-foot plant represents Packet Digital’s third location and is a significant step toward consolidating its manufacturing process. The company plans to produce high-performance battery cells and assemble batteries at the Fargo facility, emphasizing the importance of streamlining the supply chain.
“The Department of Defense has made it a priority to ramp up domestic production of critical UAS components,” said Packet Digital CEO Terri Zimmerman. “As an industry leader in building battery and charging systems that are safe, reliable and high-performing, the time was right to streamline the supply chain and fully manufacture our products from our high-energy density battery cells and electronics to assembled battery packs, right here in the U.S.”
Packet Digital’s initiative aligns with broader national strategies to enhance the U.S. drone manufacturing base. The Commission for the National Defense Strategy has highlighted the need to develop a robust domestic supply chain for critical drone components, citing concerns over reliance on foreign suppliers.
The Fargo plant will collaborate closely with raw material providers from across the U.S. to secure a domestic supply of necessary materials. Additionally, Packet Digital is partnering with universities to innovate in lithium-ion battery production with localized raw materials.
“Building this facility is an important step towards UAS battery manufacturing in the United States, and the support we’ve received from city, state, and federal governments, as well as university systems has helped make this possible,” Zimmerman added.
Packet Digital’s focus on domestic production supports national defense priorities and contributes to a resilient and self-sufficient U.S. drone manufacturing sector. The plant’s establishment is expected to enhance the availability and reliability of critical UAS components for various industries, including aerospace and defense.
For more information, visit Packet Digital’s website.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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