Editor’s Note: This article was paid for and written by JobsOhio and approved by Area Development.
Ohio is poised to make history in national defense and advanced manufacturing. In a major economic development announcement, Governor Mike DeWine, former Lt. Governor, now U.S. Senator Jon Husted, and JobsOhio revealed that Anduril Industries, a leader in defense technology, will establish a five-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Pickaway County.
California Roots. Ohio Expertise.
Based in Costa Mesa, California, Anduril is transforming the defense industry with a bold mission to “Rebuild the Arsenal” of U.S. military capabilities. Leveraging advanced software and high-tech manufacturing, the Arsenal-1 facility will be the first of its kind to hyperscale production of autonomous weapons systems. The $900 million investment is expected to add nearly $1 billion to Ohio’s gross domestic product and generate more than $2 billion in annual economic output.
“Ohio’s history of advancing aviation, aerospace, and national defense runs deep, but what sets this state apart is our readiness to embrace the future,” said Governor DeWine. “At this critical moment in time, our country needs rapid technological innovation, which Anduril will deliver using Ohio’s skilled, hardworking labor force.”
Arsenal-1 will be constructed on 500 acres near Rickenbacker International Airport, offering direct runway access for testing and development. The airport’s unique infrastructure was key to Anduril’s decision to call Ohio home. The company also cited the state’s strong business climate, deep talent pool, and long-standing support for the defense sector as determining factors.
Providing a World-Class Workforce
The facility will bring 4,000 direct jobs and an additional 4,500 indirect and induced jobs over the next decade. Tax revenues from the project are expected to exceed $800 million, and more than $1 billion in labor income will be generated within the state. To support workforce development, JobsOhio will provide Talent Acquisition Services to help Anduril attract and retain top talent from Ohio’s extensive network of universities, technical schools, and training programs.
Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril Industries, emphasized the project’s strategic significance. “Arsenal-1 represents a significant step forward in how we build the autonomous systems and weapons our nation and allies need,” he said. “We are ready to break ground and build the capabilities that will strengthen America’s industrial base and national security for years to come.”
Supportive Economic Development Policies
The project is receiving widespread support, including requests for state funding through the Job Creation Tax Credit and the All-Ohio Future Fund. JobsOhio also plans to provide additional financial support once agreements are finalized.
Local leaders hailed the project as a game-changer for the region. “This project will diversify our economy, strengthen our nation, create thousands of terrific jobs, and immediately establish the Columbus Region as a center of defense-technology and manufacturing,” said Kenny McDonald, President and CEO of One Columbus.
From the Wright Brothers to Arsenal-1, Ohio’s legacy in aviation and defense innovation continues to soar. As U.S. Senator Husted put it: “When it comes to ‘Made in America,’ you can’t do it without ‘Made in Ohio.’”
From the Wright Brothers to Arsenal-1, Ohio’s legacy in aviation and defense innovation continues to soar. As U.S. Senator Husted put it: “When it comes to ‘Made in America,’ you can’t do it without ‘Made in Ohio.’”
