Anduril Industries Expands to Ohio: A New Era in Advanced Manufacturing and Job Creation
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a major development for Ohio’s high-tech landscape, U.S. defense contractor Anduril Industries has announced plans for a sprawling advanced manufacturing facility, a project poised to create 4,000 jobs. This milestone comes as state officials herald the growth of a burgeoning tech sector that aims to harness the capabilities of advanced manufacturing for defense applications.
The Vision for “Arsenal 1”
Anduril Industries, based in Costa Mesa, California, is set to construct a facility dubbed “Arsenal 1.” Located near Rickenbacker International Airport in rural Pickaway County, the proposed 5 million-square-foot facility will occupy a 500-acre site, roughly 16 miles southeast of Columbus. The factory will be integral to Anduril’s initiatives to produce military drones and autonomous air vehicles, with production expected to commence by July 2026.
Christian Brose, Anduril’s chief strategy officer, emphasizes the strategic significance of this site, indicating that “Arsenal 1” will play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of U.S. military operations through cutting-edge technology.
A Historic Job Creation Initiative
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called this the largest single job creation initiative in recent Ohio history, underscoring the importance of the Anduril project. The governor remarked on Ohio’s enduring legacy in aviation, tracing roots back to the Wright brothers, whose innovations laid the groundwork for an aerospace culture that thrives today.
DeWine’s enthusiasm for the project reflects not just potential job growth but a reaffirmation of Ohio’s status as a key player in the aerospace sector. “We are an aerospace state,” DeWine stated, proudly dubbing Ohio as “the brains of the Air Force.”
A Strategic Economic Landscape
The significance of the Anduril facility extends beyond mere job numbers. It aligns with Ohio’s broader economic strategy focused on advanced manufacturing and tech innovation. Lt. Governor Jon Husted and JobsOhio CEO J.P. Nauseef have stressed that Ohio has meticulously crafted its economic landscape to attract such large-scale investments. With a well-established aerospace workforce complemented by training centers and educational institutions, the state is well-positioned to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
Husted expresses confidence in Ohio’s readiness by stating, “Ohio has literally built a strategy around this kind of project, and so we are perfect for them.”
Ohio’s Booming Aerospace Sector
The Anduril plant is expected to make waves not only for job creation but also for contributing to a rapidly expanding aerospace ecosystem. Ohio is home to significant players in the aerospace industry, including the global headquarters of GE Aerospace and new investments in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, such as Joby Aviation’s manufacturing facility in the Dayton area. This network of innovation highlights Ohio’s commitment to emerging technologies in aerospace and manufacturing.
Building the “Silicon Corridor”
The Anduril project is part of a larger narrative unfolding in Ohio that is redefining the state as a nexus of modern technology—often referred to as the “silicon corridor.” Key projects in this corridor include Intel’s ambitious $20 billion chip factory positioned just east of Columbus and the construction of a $3.5 billion battery plant by Honda and LG Energy Solution intended to serve as a hub for electric vehicle production.
Additionally, Ohio State University is investing in its future workforce with a planned $110 million software innovation center, further bolstering the area’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing and technology.
Support for Growth
To facilitate this significant investment, Anduril will seek a job creation tax credit from the Ohio Department of Development and a $70 million contribution from the All Ohio Future Fund, established to prepare local governments for large-scale economic projects. JobsOhio is also poised to support the initiative with a grant whose amount remains to be finalized, alongside talent acquisition services to ensure a skilled workforce.
Through these strategic initiatives, Anduril’s entry into Ohio not only represents a substantial boost to local employment but also contributes to the strategic realignment of U.S. defense manufacturing infrastructure, positioning the state as a critical player in national security and advanced technology.
