A Ukrainian drone manufacturer is setting up its first North American headquarters in Cumberland County, North Carolina, promising a wave of defense innovation and high-tech employment.
What's Happening?
Skyeton, a leading developer of unmanned aerial systems for commercial, industrial, and military use, will invest $3.4 million to transform the former Black & Decker site into a state-of-the-art drone production facility. The project is expected to create 162 high-tech jobs with average salaries of nearly $71,000 — well above Cumberland County's current average of about $50,000.
Why Cumberland County?
Local officials highlight the region's proximity to Fort Bragg and its focus on workforce training as key factors. "The proximity to Fort Bragg or actually military, the training that we're doing in our community college and university systems — we're setting ourselves up in that space," said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere.
Rob Patton Jr., executive vice president of the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, called the project a turning point: "With the loss of Goodyear, it gets us really further on the map with manufacturing and advanced manufacturing."
What Jobs Are Coming?
The facility will focus on manufacturing drone systems, requiring machinists, CNC operators, painters, and quality assurance/quality control personnel. "This is truly manufacturing," Patton emphasized.
Economic Impact
Over the next decade, the investment could generate more than $68 million in economic activity and add new tax revenue. State and local leaders, including Gov. Josh Stein, praised the announcement as evidence of North Carolina's ability to attract advanced manufacturing investment.
What's Next?
Hiring and facility transformation are expected to begin soon.
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