Fargo, ND Chosen for New Plant
Packet Digital has secured a location in Fargo, North Dakota, for its new drone battery manufacturing plant, marking a significant step in the company’s mission to produce U.S.-made drone battery cells. Construction of the 80,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to begin in 2024, with production expected to commence by the end of 2025.
Streamlining Manufacturing Processes
This new plant, Packet Digital’s third location, aims to consolidate the company’s manufacturing process. The Fargo facility will produce high-performance battery cells and assemble batteries, enhancing supply chain efficiency. “The Department of Defense has prioritized increasing domestic production of critical UAS components,” said Packet Digital CEO Terri Zimmerman. “As an industry leader in safe, reliable, and high-performing battery systems, it’s crucial to manufacture our products entirely in the U.S., from high-energy density cells to assembled battery packs.”
Supporting National Defense Priorities
Packet Digital’s initiative supports national strategies to strengthen the U.S. drone manufacturing base and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The Fargo plant will collaborate with U.S. raw material providers and partner with universities to innovate in lithium-ion battery production using localized materials. “Building this facility is essential for UAS battery manufacturing in the United States,” Zimmerman added, acknowledging the vital support from various government and university systems. This development is expected to bolster the availability and reliability of critical UAS components for aerospace and defense industries.
