Badland Batteries Opened New Fargo Factory
The facility will manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for drone and autonomous systems.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Badland Batteries has opened a new purpose-built lithium-ion battery factory in north Fargo. The site focuses on manufacturing battery packs specifically designed for use in drones and autonomous systems.
Why it matters
The facility aims to bolster domestic supply chains for critical technologies. By using American-made materials, the project provides a local solution for battery manufacturing intended for military and autonomous applications.
Packet Digital received a $50 million federal award last year to increase domestic battery manufacturing capacity through its subsidiary, Badland Batteries.
The players
Badland Batteries
This company manufactures specialized lithium-ion batteries and battery packs for drone and autonomous systems.
Packet Digital
This firm is the parent company of Badland Batteries and operates as a participant in domestic battery manufacturing.
The details
The Fargo factory utilizes a domestic end-to-end supply chain to support battery cell innovation and pack integration. These batteries are engineered to perform reliably in extreme weather conditions, aiding public safety, search and rescue, and wildfire operations.
Timeline
Packet Digital received a federal award for manufacturing capacity in 2025.
Badland Batteries held the grand opening for the new facility on October 8, 2026.
Market Landscape
The new facility represents a strategic push to decouple high-tech battery production from foreign supply chains. This move positions Badland Batteries to compete more effectively for contracts involving domestic military and public safety autonomous systems.
The establishment of this factory strengthens the availability of high-end battery systems for regional search and rescue and wildfire response. While the factory is business-to-business focused, its presence contributes to the local industrial economy and infrastructure in Fargo.
The takeaway
This facility highlights the growing importance of domestic end-to-end supply chains for specialized hardware like drone batteries. Local stakeholders can expect continued interest in Fargo as a hub for autonomous technology integration.
Further reading
For more on local industrial growth, visit the Manufacturing section.
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Should the U.S. prioritize domestic manufacturing for critical technologies like batteries?
