New Hampshire facility set to produce NDAA-compliant propulsion systems as defense demand grows
Global propulsion solutions provider ePropelled, Inc. announced a major expansion of its U.S. operations, positioning itself as the first American-based drone component manufacturer with a fully compliant Department of Defense supply chain. The move comes as legislative efforts to limit imports of Chinese drones and parts, combined with rising defense needs for small drones, drive a strong demand signal for domestic production.
New Hampshire Facility to Scale Production
The company is expanding its Laconia, New Hampshire site into a 24,000-square-foot facility. By 2026, it will produce hundreds of thousands of drone motors and controllers each year. Products will serve air, land, and sea uncrewed systems, with production aimed at both commercial and defense markets.
“We began production late last year and have been scaling up ever since,” said Nick Grewal, ePropelled Founder, Chairman and CEO. “This expansion of our U.S. production hub will shorten the turnaround time from order to shipment and get them into the hands of our customers faster. This expansion, coupled with a new domestic rare earth supplier and NDAA compliance, sets us apart and is attractive for many of our customers.”
The facility is expected to employ more than 350 people and will incorporate advanced manufacturing processes from start to finish. This includes coil winding, sealing, rare-earth magnet rotor assemblies, precision balancing, motor and controller assembly, software installation, and quality control.
Product Lines Designed for Multiple Applications
ePropelled’s products will include its Sparrow, Falcon, and Hercules Series propulsion systems.
-
The Sparrow Series delivers solutions for lightweight UAVs, ranging from 160Kv–2900Kv and 260W to 7000W.
-
The Falcon Series features high-power motors, including the iAPM600, which produces up to 10kW at 5,000 RPM.
-
The Hercules Series includes starter-generator systems, such as the SG12000, which provides up to 14kW at 9,000 RPM for hybrid UAVs.
By 2026, ePropelled expects to be vertically integrated, adding in-house lamination stack production and machining capabilities.
Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing Standards
“The opening of our new manufacturing facility marks an exciting milestone for ePropelled as we expand our ability to serve customers in the U.S. and worldwide,” said Richard Edwards, ePropelled Director of Operations. “This U.S.-based state-of-the-art site is equipped with advanced production capabilities and rigorous quality-control systems, all certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards. By combining the very latest technology with our commitment to excellence, we ensure every product meets the highest levels of performance and reliability.”
This U.S.-based expansion gives ePropelled a competitive edge at a time when NDAA-compliant solutions are increasingly required. With lawmakers pushing to reduce reliance on Chinese drones and components, and defense agencies expanding the use of small drones, U.S.-manufactured systems are in high demand.
A Global Footprint with Local Impact
While Laconia will anchor its U.S. production, ePropelled also plans to add an international facility to serve non-U.S. markets. The company already operates engineering, innovation, and production sites in the UK and India. Its customers include aerospace, defense, industrial automation, automotive, and maritime industries.
ePropelled’s propulsion technologies are designed for mission-critical applications such as surveillance drones, robotic ground vehicles, and autonomous marine vessels. Its focus on secure, export-ready systems supports both government and commercial markets seeking reliable and compliant supply chains.
Read more:
- ePropelled and USA Rare Earth Partner to Secure U.S. Magnet Supply for Uncrewed Systems
- ePropelled Introduces New Falcon Propulsion Systems, Supporting Made-in-America Drone Technology
- Designing for Scale: How U.S. Drone Manufacturers Are Building a Competitive Edge
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.
Leave a Reply