News Summary
DMR Technologies announced plans to establish its first U.S. industrial drone manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana, creating over 1,200 jobs. The Louisiana Economic Development agency highlighted the project, which will generate 521 direct jobs with an average salary of $85,000 and an estimated 766 indirect jobs. The facility, located in a 10,000-square-foot building, aims to enhance service capabilities and streamline logistics for U.S. and international clients while leveraging local tax incentives.
Lafayette, Louisiana will soon be home to DMR Technologies’ first U.S. industrial drone manufacturing facility, a project expected to create more than 1,200 jobs in the Acadiana region. The announcement was made on October 3, 2025, by the Louisiana Economic Development agency, highlighting the facility’s significant economic impact on the local community.
The new facility aims to provide 521 direct jobs over the next decade, with an average annual salary of $85,000. This salary is approximately 151% above the average salary in Lafayette Parish, which makes DMR eligible for Louisiana’s High Impact Jobs Program. The state is supporting the project with a $1 million grant, which is contingent upon the company’s hiring and investment commitments in the area.
In addition to the direct employment opportunities, the project is anticipated to create an estimated 766 indirect jobs. This brings the total to nearly 1,300 new job opportunities, significantly boosting the economic landscape in Lafayette and surrounding areas.
DMR Technologies, which has offices in Houston and Detroit, is collaborating with SoLA Drones, a local retailer that specializes in unmanned aircraft. The facility will be established in a 10,000-square-foot building located on Dorset Avenue, which is currently undergoing renovations. Manufacturing operations are expected to commence by the end of 2025, with plans to produce between 500 to 1,000 Field Ranger X50 drones in its inaugural year.
The new manufacturing site aims to enhance service capabilities for both U.S. and international clients while addressing common lead time issues by streamlining logistics. DMR Technologies also intends to take advantage of local tax incentives by applying for a property tax break through Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program. This move will likely offer further financial benefit to the company as it scales operations and hires locally.
Local leaders, including Lafayette’s Mayor-President, have expressed enthusiasm about the potential for this investment to diversify and strengthen the local economy. The DMR Technologies project falls in line with Louisiana’s strategic efforts to attract advanced manufacturing and aerospace operations, indicating a strong confidence in the regional workforce and regulatory environment.
In summary, the establishment of DMR Technologies’ first U.S. drone manufacturing facility in Lafayette is set to be a transformative project that promises significant job creation and economic investment in the Acadiana region. With over 1,200 new job opportunities linked to the initiative and a boost in local manufacturing capabilities, this project represents a major advancement in the state’s economic development commitment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- New Orleans CityBusiness: DMR Technologies Lafayette Drone Facility
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
