FARGO, N.D. (Sept. 23, 2026) — Badland Batteries welcomed House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., to its Fargo battery cell manufacturing facility on Sept. 22 for a tour to highlight the company’s role in strengthening America’s domestic battery supply chain and defense industrial base.
During the visit, Scalise and Fedorchak toured Badland Batteries’ production line and met with company leadership to discuss the growing importance of U.S.-manufactured battery technology for drones, autonomous systems, aerospace, and defense applications.
“America’s future in autonomous systems depends on secure, reliable energy,” said Terri Zimmerman, CEO of Badland Batteries. “We recognized years ago that the United States needed a domestic source of battery cells purpose-built for drones and autonomous systems, and we invested nearly $100 million to build that capability here in North Dakota. This facility begins to close a critical gap in American supply chains, while creating advanced manufacturing jobs and strengthening our nation’s readiness.”
Set to begin production in October, Badland Batteries is building the next generation of American batteries in Fargo, manufacturing both battery cells and complete battery systems designed and produced in North Dakota. When operating at full capacity, the facility is expected to produce up to one million drone batteries annually, supporting domestic defense, industrial and commercial customers while reducing dependence on overseas battery suppliers.
“This tour was fascinating seeing some of the cutting-edge technologies and discoveries that they are making here at Badland Batteries,” Scalise said. “It just shows you that America can continue to lead … this is how we stay ahead of our competitors. They are doing innovative things too, but we are doing them better because of businesses like Badland Batteries.”
“Badland Batteries — what they are manufacturing here in Fargo, with their U.S. solutions can be used across the various branches of the U.S. government,” Fedorchak said. “It is important that we can continue to promote investment into companies such as this that continue to push innovation for our country.”