Fedorchak, Majority Leader Scalise highlight North Dakota's role in strengthening America’s defense supply chain

Fargo, ND - Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) welcomed U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) to Fargo Tuesday for a tour of Badland Batteries' new battery-cell manufacturing facility and a discussion about strengthening domestic manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, and supporting America's national defense.

Fedorchak and Scalise toured the company's new 80,000-square-foot plant, viewed its completed production line, and received an update from Packet Digital CEO Terri Zimmerman on the company's plans to increase production. The Fargo facility will manufacture battery cells for use in Packet Digital battery packs that power unmanned aircraft systems, autonomous systems, and other defense and commercial technologies.

"North Dakota is proving that the advanced technologies essential to America's economic and national security can be developed and manufactured right here at home," Fedorchak said. "The batteries produced at this Fargo facility will power unmanned and autonomous systems used by our military while helping reduce our dangerous reliance on foreign supply chains. I'm grateful to Leader Scalise for coming to North Dakota to see this exciting work and to Terri Zimmerman and the entire Packet Digital team for investing, innovating, and creating new opportunities in our state."

"It was great to join Congresswoman Fedorchak and see firsthand the cutting-edge work happening at Packet Digital," said Scalise. "For too long, America allowed so much of our manufacturing base to move overseas, including technologies that are critical to our national security. Packet Digital is helping reverse that trend by building these advanced batteries right here in Fargo, while creating good jobs for North Dakota families. We need more American companies making these investments, creating good jobs, and ensuring the United States continues to lead the world in innovation."

Packet Digital is a Fargo-based technology company specializing in batteries and power systems for unmanned aircraft and autonomous systems. The company established Badland Batteries in 2023 and selected the north Fargo site for its battery-cell manufacturing facility in 2024. Badland Batteries launched its first commercial unmanned aircraft system battery products in 2025.

Fedorchak previously toured the facility in September 2025 while it was under development. Tuesday's visit offered an opportunity to see the completed plant and production line ahead of its grand opening on October 8.