A drone flies in front of a residence, with a Louisiana state flag displayed near its entrance. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)
An American-based company will build its first industrial drone manufacturing facility in the United States in Louisiana. The company also plans to hire 521 employees over the next 10 years, according to state officials.
The Louisiana Economic Development agency announced Thursday that DMR Technology, with offices in Houston and Detroit, will locate its production site in Lafayette. The company already has a partnership with a local retailer, SoLA Drones, that sells its unmanned aircraft for agricultural, industrial and delivery uses.
Louisiana lured the DMR facility to Acadiana with a $1 million grant for building renovations and equipment costs in return for making good on hiring and local investment promises.
New hires will be paid an average annual salary of $85,000, allowing DMR to qualify for the state’s High Impact Jobs Program. The planned pay rate is 151% above the Lafayette Parish average, meaning the state will provide the company with grants to cover up to 22% of employee pay.
DMR is also expected to apply for a local property tax break through the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program.
An American-based manufacturing facility will allow DMR to better serve its U.S. and international clients, company co-founder Ryan Case said in a statement. DMR did not respond to calls and emails asking about its existing manufacturing locations.
In addition to SoLA Drones in Lafayette, DMR has distribution partners in nearby Scott as well as in Alabama, Kentucky and Michigan.
“With the launch of our Lafayette facility, we’re eliminating lead time issues and delivering next-day fulfillment for many of our U.S. customers,” Case said.
A 10,000 square-foot building is currently being renovated to house the new drone manufacturing hub, with DMR Technologies planning to start production on 500 to 1,000 Field Ranger X50 drones by the end of 2025.