Hoeven: North Dakota’s Leadership in Defense Manufacturing Grows with Badland Batteries New Plant

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today outlined North Dakota’s growing leadership in defense manufacturing at the grand opening of Packet Digital’s new Badland Batteries’ manufacturing facility in Fargo. Over the last six years, Hoeven has secured $52.6 million in funding from the U.S. Navy to advance Packet Digital’s work on battery research, development and manufacturing. This new 80,000-square-foot plant will manufacture battery cells for unmanned aircraft systems and other defense and commercial technologies. “Building a strong domestic battery ecosystem is critical to our nation’s economic competitiveness and national security. That’s why we’ve worked over the last six years to secure more than $50 million dollars in federal funding to advance Packet Digital’s efforts in North Dakota. Today, we’re opening the first battery cell plant in the Upper Midwest and the largest UAS-specific cell factory in the nation,” said Hoeven. “Badland Batteries’ investment in North Dakota advances our efforts to strengthen American manufacturing, create high-quality jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign sources for critical technologies. This facility demonstrates how North Dakota continues to lead in innovation and contribute to our nation’s energy and defense priorities.” As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to: Secure continued investment in Packet Digital’s battery development and domestic production work. Strengthen North Dakota’s role in defense through ongoing advanced battery manufacturing. -###-