HILLSDALE — Vertical Autonomy, a drone manufacturer, plans to invest nearly $29 million in Hillsdale and Jackson Counties, expanding production and creating dozens of new jobs.
The projects represent a combined capital investment of $28.72 million and are supported by a $455,000 performance-based grant through the Michigan Business Development Program.
The company will upgrade an existing facility at 250 Industrial Drive in Hillsdale and establish a centralized operations hub in neighboring Jackson County. Officials said the investment will increase production of the company’s autonomous, long-range drones used in defense, public safety and commercial applications.
The expansion is expected to create at least 70 positions starting at $30 per hour plus benefits, exceeding the region’s median hourly wage of $23.17.
Vertical Autonomy also plans to develop a workforce pipeline through registered apprenticeship programs created in partnership with state and federal agencies. The programs will provide training opportunities in advanced manufacturing and aerospace technology.
Sally Clark, executive director of the Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County, said the investment is a significant step in establishing the region as a center for those industries.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Vertical Autonomy is bringing dozens of new jobs to Hillsdale, Jackson
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News | USA TODAY Network
