Hoeven Joins Ideal Aerosmith to Mark Grand Forks Expansion

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined Ideal Aerosmith for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the expansion of the company’s headquarters in Grand Forks. The approximately 10,000-square-foot expansion comes as Ideal Aerosmith continues to grow its operations in North Dakota, now occupying three buildings on South Washington totaling approximately 40,000 square feet. Ideal Aerosmith supports 130 jobs in North Dakota and 190 employees in total including in California, Arizona and Maryland. The expanded headquarters will house lab, test engineering, corporate services and sales operations. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured $6 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding to support the design and development of an expendable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) aircraft through the Office of Naval Research. Hoeven is also working to support Ideal Aerosmith’s efforts to establish UAS engine manufacturing in Grand Forks, helping ensure the company’s aircraft can be manufactured entirely in the United States. “Ideal Aerosmith’s continued growth is good news for Grand Forks and North Dakota, creating good jobs while strengthening our state’s leadership in UAS and national defense,” said Hoeven. “We secured $6 million in FY2026 to support the company’s UAS development, and we’re working to bring UAS engine manufacturing to Grand Forks. These investments will help grow our economy, expand our technology sector and ensure more of these critical capabilities are developed and manufactured right here in North Dakota.” -###-