News Summary
DMR Technologies has announced plans to establish its first full-scale U.S. manufacturing facility in Lafayette, creating over 1,200 jobs in the region. The facility will focus on producing Field Ranger X50 unmanned aerial systems for the American market and aims to generate 521 direct jobs. With a competitive incentives package from the state, this project signifies a significant boost for Lafayette’s economic landscape and aligns with Louisiana’s strategy to attract advanced manufacturing operations.
Lafayette is set to become the home of DMR Technologies’ first full-scale U.S. manufacturing facility, a move that is expected to create over 1,200 jobs in the region. The new facility will focus on producing the company’s Field Ranger X50 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) specifically for the American market.
The establishment of the manufacturing hub in Lafayette will generate 521 direct new jobs over the next ten years, with an average annual salary of $85,000, significantly higher than the average wage in the parish, which stands at 151% of the norm. Alongside these direct jobs, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) anticipates that an additional 766 indirect jobs will be created as a result of this project, bringing the total to 1,287 new job opportunities within the Acadiana Region.
This Lafayette facility is designed to serve as DMR’s primary domestic production center, incorporating advanced flight control printing, rotor manufacturing, assembly, quality control, and logistics staging all within a single location. In its inaugural year, the facility plans to assemble between 500 and 1,000 drones.
Renovation works are already in progress at the 10,000-square-foot facility located at 105 Dorset Avenue, with production expected to commence by the end of the current year. The location was chosen for its favorable talent pool, robust infrastructure, and conducive policy environment that facilitates efficient operations. The facility’s strategic positioning is also noted for its strong logistics capabilities, enabling swift service for U.S. and international clients, as well as next-day fulfillment for many domestic customers.
To support this development, the state of Louisiana has furnished DMR Technologies with a competitive incentives package, which encompasses workforce development through LED’s FastStart program and a $1 million performance-based grant contingent upon meeting specific investment and employment targets. Furthermore, DMR Technologies will engage in Louisiana’s High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs as part of their operational framework.
The initiative represents a significant opportunity not only for job creation but also for economic diversification in Lafayette Parish. The Governor of Louisiana has highlighted that DMR’s choice to establish its manufacturing facility in the state underscores confidence in the local workforce and demonstrates the effectiveness of pro-growth policies implemented by the state.
DMR Technologies aims to strengthen local industry within high-tech sectors, aligning closely with Louisiana’s broader strategy to attract advanced manufacturing and aerospace operations as part of LED’s 9×90 work plan. Throughout the operation, there will be co-located engineering and compliance teams, specialized quality testing areas, and an on-site warehouse to facilitate production and deployment processes efficiently.
Lafayette Mayor-President has expressed enthusiasm about the project, noting its significance in providing new opportunities for the community and contributing to the local economy’s growth. This substantial economic development announcement embodies a positive shift toward bolstering the high-tech manufacturing landscape in Lafayette Parish.
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