Performance Drone Works Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville

Huntsville, August 21, 2025

News Summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) has opened a 90,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Huntsville, aimed at boosting domestic drone production. This facility is set to produce around 60,000 drones annually and will hire over 500 employees, offering starting salaries over $100,000. The establishment of this facility marks a significant step towards self-sufficiency in drone technology, potentially reducing U.S. dependence on foreign manufacturers, particularly in national defense operations.

Huntsville – Performance Drone Works (PDW) has launched a new 90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Huntsville, named Drone Facility 01, marking a significant milestone in the effort to bolster domestic drone production and stimulate local economic growth. The facility commenced operations on July 1 and is projected to manufacture approximately 60,000 drones annually.

The CEO and co-founder of PDW emphasized the company’s pivotal role in the U.S. drone industry, highlighting the pressing need for self-sufficiency in advanced drone technology. Currently, about 90% of the law enforcement drones used in the United States are produced in China, raising concerns about their suitability for national defense purposes. This dependency on foreign manufacturers has been deemed a vulnerability by the company’s leaders.

PDW is planning to hire over 500 workers to staff the new facility, with starting salaries exceeding $100,000 a year, as agreed upon with the city of Huntsville. This move is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy, estimating an annual economic impact of around $81 million in Northern Alabama.

The company holds contracts with the U.S. Army, particularly in relation to the Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) program. The new facility is equipped with advanced production capabilities, stringent quality engineering standards, and features designed for materials management. Notably, the facility boasts technology capable of achieving 99.9% pathogen reduction, positioning it as potentially the cleanest engineering site worldwide.

This development positions Huntsville as a potential leader in the drone manufacturing sector, supporting both military and law enforcement operations. PDW’s existing products include the C100 platform designed for the Army, with plans to launch the AM10, a cost-effective multi-motor drone priced at $3,500.

PDW’s journey began with just 12 employees and a mission to produce drones for a racing league located at the Stovehouse entertainment venue on Governors Drive. With its new facility, the company is set to significantly expand its capabilities and address the critical demand for secure and reliable domestic drone technology.

Key Features of PDW’s New Facility

The Drone Facility 01 is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed not only for production efficiency but also for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety:

• Size: 90,000 square feet
• Annual Production: 60,000 drones
• Employment Opportunities: Over 500 new jobs
• Starting Salaries: Exceeding $100,000
• Annual Economic Impact: $81 million
• U.S. Army Contracts: Including the MRR program
• Pathogen Reduction Technology: 99.9% efficiency

Background Context

PDW aims to counteract what it perceives as economic sabotage from China, which is undermining the U.S. drone market. The government’s reliance on foreign-manufactured drones raises alarms about national security and the necessity for a robust domestic supply chain, particularly for military applications. The establishment of the new facility signifies a strategic move towards greater independence in drone technology and production.

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Additional Resources

• Rocket City Now: PDW Opens New Facility in Huntsville
• AL.com: New Huntsville Drone Factory
• WAFF: PDW Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• WAAY: Huntsville Drone Factory to Create 500 Jobs
• AL.com: Huntsville Companies Expanding and Bringing Jobs
• Wikipedia: Drone
• Google Search: Huntsville drone manufacturing
• Google Scholar: Drone manufacturing Huntsville
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drone technology
• Google News: Huntsville drone facility

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.