Ohio partners with Anduril to 'rebuild the arsenal' for national security needs

PICKAWAY COUNTY – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and JobsOhio announced today that Anduril Industries, a leader in defense technology, will establish an advanced manufacturing facility in Pickaway County, bringing more than 4,000 new production and service jobs to Ohio by 2035.

The five-million-square-foot facility, named Arsenal-1, represents the largest single job creation and new payroll project in Ohio’s history and is projected to add nearly $1 billion to Ohio’s gross domestic product.

Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., Anduril aims to “Rebuild the Arsenal” of U.S. military weapons and platforms by “hyperscaling” manufacturing with advanced software and production technologies. The Ohio facility will strengthen the state’s position as a nationwide leader in the development of better, faster, and more affordable critical national defense products to help the United States deter, defend, and lead in the world’s Great Power Competition.

“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. The future of American air power will be made in Ohio!”

Gov. DeWine & Lt. Gov. Husted will join Anduril to provide more information on this historic announcement today at 9 a.m. Watch live at OhioChannel.org.
The facility will be located on 500 acres in Pickaway County near Rickenbacker International Airport, with room for future growth. The company plans to invest over $900 million in capital into the surrounding area.

Anduril was attracted to Ohio due to the state’s supportive business climate, ready-made workforce, and legacy of military and federal support. 

"Today is a proud day for Ohio as we welcome Anduril and celebrate the creation of thousands of new jobs in cutting-edge defense manufacturing,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “This investment reinforces Ohio's position as a leader in advanced technology and national security. When it comes to 'Made in America,' you can’t do it without 'Made in Ohio.”

In addition to the 4,000 direct jobs at Arsenal-1, the project is anticipated to create a total of 4,500 indirect and induced jobs over the next ten years and more than $2 billion in annual economic output. Over $1 billion in in-state labor income will be generated, and projected tax revenues are estimated to be roughly $800 million.

“Arsenal-1 represents a significant step forward in how we build the autonomous systems and weapons our nation and allies need, leveraging Ohio’s world-class workforce, robust infrastructure, and scalable, software-driven manufacturing to set a new standard for securing the future of defense,” said Anduril Industries CEO Brian Schimpf. “We are ready to break ground and get to work building the capabilities that will strengthen America’s industrial base and national security for years to come.”

The project will pursue a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Department of Development at an upcoming Tax Credit Authority meeting. The project will also request $70 million from the All Ohio Future Fund at an upcoming Controlling Board meeting. The All Ohio Future Fund was established by the DeWine-Husted Administration in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly to support local communities with site-readiness and preparation to attract economic development projects.

Separately, JobsOhio plans to provide assistance to the project with a JobsOhio Grant and will disclose the amount of funding after the agreements have been signed. JobsOhio will also provide Anduril with Talent Acquisition Services to work with the company to attract, develop, and retain the skilled workforce the company requires.

The build out of the facility is expected to begin immediately after state and local approvals, and the first products are targeted to be manufactured beginning in July 2026.

To meet their bold staffing needs, Anduril will tap into Ohio's third-largest manufacturing workforce, a statewide network of hundreds of universities, community colleges, and technical centers, and leverage JobsOhio's Talent Acquisition Services.