LAFAYETTE, La. – DMR Technologies plans to establish its first full-scale U.S. manufacturing facility in Lafayette Parish, a project expected to create more than 1,200 new jobs in the Acadiana region.
The company will produce its Field Ranger X50 unmanned aerial systems at the site, which will serve as its primary U.S. production hub. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will generate 521 direct jobs over 10 years with an average salary of $85,000, along with 766 indirect jobs.
Renovations are underway at a 10,000-square-foot facility on Dorset Avenue, with operations scheduled to begin by the end of 2025. In its first year, the plant is expected to assemble 500 to 1,000 drones. The facility will house engineering, compliance, assembly, testing, warehousing and logistics operations.
State and local leaders said the project highlights Louisiana’s role in advanced manufacturing. To secure the facility, the state offered a $1 million performance-based grant for leasehold improvements and equipment, contingent on meeting hiring and investment targets. DMR is also expected to participate in the state’s High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
The Lafayette site will expand DMR’s U.S. supply chain capacity, allowing faster delivery to domestic customers while meeting regulatory requirements.