Rendering of the future drone manufacturing facility by Anduril Industries.
Anduril Industries has revealed a plan to invest at least $900 million in a new drone manufacturing facility near Rickenbacker International Airport, aiming to create over 4,000 jobs by 2035. The project, known as Arsenal-1, will enhance Ohio’s economy by focusing on advanced unmanned aircraft systems production. The facility’s phased construction and substantial state support underscore its significance to local employment and infrastructure. This initiative is poised to transform central Ohio into a key player in the unmanned aviation sector and represent the largest job creation effort in the state’s history.
Anduril Industries is set to make a significant investment in Central Ohio with plans to establish a new drone manufacturing facility, known as Arsenal-1. The total investment is expected to reach $900 million, leading to the creation of approximately 4,000 jobs by the year 2035. This initiative is one of the largest job creation efforts in Ohio’s history.
The company plans to allocate at least $80 million toward the initial phases of the Arsenal-1 project located near Rickenbacker International Airport. According to building permits filed in Pickaway County, the first phase will involve upgrades to a sizable 773,114 square foot warehouse leased from CT Realty. This phase will require an investment of over $36 million and is projected for completion by 2025.
The second phase of development will include the construction of a new 924,352 square foot facility at a cost of $45 million. This phase will also be situated within the Rickenbacker Logistics Park. Upon full completion in 2035, Anduril’s central Ohio operations are expected to encompass a total of five million square feet.
The Arsenal-1 facility will initially focus on producing the Fury unmanned aircraft system. Furthermore, the manufacturing capabilities will expand to include the Barracuda and Roadrunner drones in the future. Production at the facility is estimated to commence in 2026, marking a significant advancement in Ohio’s manufacturing landscape.
The project has garnered substantial support from the state, which has pledged around $832 million in various forms of assistance. This support includes a $310 million grant from JobsOhio, state tax credits, and additional funding targeted for logistics improvements at Rickenbacker International Airport. The state is also set to invest $70 million specifically for enhancements to taxiways, ensuring the airport can adequately support the new facility.
In conjunction with the facility’s material development, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority has ratified a 50-year lease agreement granting Anduril 75 acres of land at Rickenbacker International Airport. The initial annual lease cost is set at $588,060, with a 2% annual increase. Lease terms also offer an option for a 25-year extension post the initial period.
In total, Ohio is offering Anduril $452 million in tax breaks based on the expected employment generated over the next three decades. This investment not only holds the promise of significant job opportunities for the region but also positions Ohio as a key player in the high-tech manufacturing sector.
The Anduril Industries project is poised to transform Central Ohio with its ambitious plans for drone manufacturing. Through extensive investments and state support, the venture is expected to benefit the local economy, create thousands of jobs, and contribute to the advancement of aerospace manufacturing in the United States. As the first phases unfold, Ohio will watch closely as this major initiative unfolds, setting the stage for future technological advancements and economic growth in the region.
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