Ohio drone factory set to become state’s largest job-creation project

Anduril, a U.S. defense contractor, plans to invest nearly $1 billion to build a factory in Pickaway County. When construction is complete, the factory will create 4,000 jobs and produce drones and advanced equipment for the U.S. military. 

State officials have revealed that the factory, dubbed “Arsenal-1,” will mark the largest single job-creation project in Ohio’s history. 

Headquartered in Southern California, Anduril will begin construction early this year on the initial phase of the 5-million-square-foot complex, with an estimated cost of $900 million. 

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager estimates roughly 400 union construction workers will be needed for the project. 

The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. 

“Central Ohio continues with these historic announcements that will reimagine the manufacturing sector from datacenters, EV batteries, chips and now defense,” Hager said. “Our highly trained and skilled workforce will continue to build and maintain these projects now and in the future.” 

According to Anduril’s Chief Strategy Officer Christian Brose, renovation on an existing 700,000-square-foot building will begin, pending state and local approvals. 

Arsenal-1 will be built on 500 acres south of Rickenbacker International Airport, providing plenty of space for future expansion. 

Expansion and economic development 

Brose and Gov. Mike DeWine noted that Ohio’s established military industry, particularly the proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, played a crucial role in Anduril’s decision to set up operations in Central Ohio. 

Anduril was also attracted to Ohio because of the “state’s supportive business climate, ready-made workforce and legacy of military and federal support,” according to a prepared statement.

“At this critical moment in time, our country needs rapid technological innovation, which Anduril will deliver using Ohio’s skilled, hardworking labor force,” said DeWine. “The future of American air power will be made in Ohio!” 

According to the Columbus Dispatch, jobs at Arsenal-1 are expected to pay around $60 an hour, and with all 4,000 positions filled, Anduril would rank among Central Ohio’s top 10 private employers. 

Beyond these direct roles, Arsenal-1 is projected to generate 4,500 indirect jobs, over $2 billion in annual economic output and approximately $800 million in tax revenue over the next decade, state estimates revealed. 

The project is seeking a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Department of Development and $70 million from the All Ohio Future Fund. 

County Commissioner Jay Wippel emphasized the region’s readiness for such a transformative project stating Pickaway County has spent nearly two decades preparing for this opportunity. 

“Through deliberate planning, investment in infrastructure and a shared commitment among local leaders, businesses and partners like One Columbus and JobsOhio, we’ve created an environment where innovation and advanced manufacturing can thrive,” Wippel said in a prepared statement.