Sparkz and Global Ordnance Plan $100 Million Midwest Defense Battery Plant

U.S. battery technology company Sparkz has announced plans to establish a dedicated defense battery manufacturing operation in the Midwest in partnership with Global Ordnance. The $100 million project is expected to create approximately 355 full-time jobs, including 180 direct manufacturing jobs and 175 spillover jobs.

Domestic batteries for drones and UAVs

The operation will establish a fully domestic battery supply chain supporting drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other critical defense applications, reducing reliance on overseas suppliers, particularly from China. Sparkz is building a vertically integrated domestic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supply chain, while Global Ordnance brings defense contracting, regulatory compliance and systems integration experience. Details on the facility’s location, development timeline and production plans will be announced as the project advances.

Dr. Sanjiv Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Sparkz said:

“This is about rebuilding America’s battery manufacturing capabilities and ensuring our defense industrial base has access to the critical technologies it needs. Our partnership with Global Ordnance will help establish a fully domestic battery supply chain for drones and UAVs, reducing our dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthening America’s national security.”

Jeff Brunozzi, President of Global Ordnance said:

“Securing reliable American sources for critical defense components is essential to strengthening our national security. Our partnership with Sparkz will expand the domestic manufacturing base, create hundreds of American jobs, and help ensure that the batteries powering tomorrow’s unmanned defense systems are made in the United States.”