Drone USA Inc., a New York City-based developer and manufacturer of low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies, is considering manufacturing both its Shadow and Cyclops police drones in Connecticut, as well as other Northeast locations.
According to Michael Bannon, CEO of the company, Drone USA has already met with the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development and is in the process of “reviewing Connecticut’s manufacturing incentive programs and application process.”
“We are pleased with what Connecticut is offering. In addition, we are looking to the individual towns to see what potential tax incentives they provide,” he says.
“Although we are in the early stages, we have identified a property that we are interested in. It is approximately 12,000 square feet and very reasonably priced. Because we anticipate rapid growth in the police drone market, we will move quickly,” he adds.
Headquartered at One World Trade Center, Drone USA’s target markets include select defense segments (military); public safety (police, fire, emergency response); and commercial applications such as agriculture, photogrammetry, mining, utilities and entertainment. Recently, the company inked an agreement with an undisclosed police department in Connecticut.
“Concurrently, we are also looking to explore other potential locations in the Northeast, such as Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey,” Bannon continues. “All four states house top engineering universities and large aerospace manufacturers – ensuring us access to a talented labor pool.”
Bannon notes that the company is planning to hire 25-30 new employees within the next year.
