Skyeton, Inc. to Manufacture Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cumberland County, Creating 162 Jobs
Fayetteville, N.C. is set to become a prominent hub for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) manufacturing as Skyeton, Inc. announces its plans to establish its first U.S. flagship manufacturing facility in the city. This expansion promises to bring 162 new jobs to Cumberland County and represents an investment exceeding $3.1 million.
Governor Josh Stein expressed enthusiasm for the company’s arrival, highlighting North Carolina’s strong ties to the military and its burgeoning advanced manufacturing sector. “With our skilled workforce, strategic location on the East Coast, and robust transportation infrastructure, North Carolina is fast becoming a prime destination for business, particularly in aerospace and defense,” he stated.
Skyeton, Inc., a Las Vegas-based subsidiary of the global Skyeton Holdings, specializes in UAS technology for defense and commercial use. Known for its Raybird platform, which boasts over 350,000 combat-proven flight hours, the company plans to employ cutting-edge technology at its new 28,500-square-foot facility to manufacture and support its UAS operations.
Rigoberto (Quito) Sáez, CEO of Skyeton, Inc., shared the strategic importance of the expansion, stating, “This move strengthens America’s defense industrial base and brings high-quality jobs. North Carolina is an ideal location, and we’ve been warmly received here.” Sáez acknowledged the support from the State, local economic bodies, and military partners, emphasizing the collaborative effort to enhance U.S. defense capabilities.
With North Carolina’s reputation as a center for defense innovation, N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized the supportive environment for companies like Skyeton. Investments in research, industry partnerships, and educational institutions are critical factors contributing to the state’s business-friendly climate.
The positions created by Skyeton’s expansion will offer an average annual salary of $70,759, surpassing the current Cumberland County average. This could potentially boost the region’s annual payroll by over $1.4 million.
To facilitate this expansion, Skyeton will benefit from a performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. This fund is designed to assist local governments in attracting business investments and job creation, with grants contingent upon meeting specific employment and investment goals.
N.C. Senator Val Applewhite remarked on the significance of this development for Cumberland County, highlighting the region’s appeal to innovative companies. N.C. Representative Frances Jackson echoed these sentiments, noting the strategic advantage of Fayetteville’s proximity to key military installations and resources.
This initiative is supported by a coalition of partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and various local educational and governmental bodies. The collaborative effort underscores the state’s commitment to fostering economic growth through strategic industry partnerships.
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