Fargo battery maker awarded $50 million through federal innovative technologies program

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo-based Packet Digital has landed a $50 million award to ramp up domestic battery manufacturing capacity.

The award will enable the company to expand production lines at its Badland Batteries manufacturing facility in Fargo.

That will help meet the demand for high-power battery packs for unmanned systems operated by the Army, Navy, Air Force and Special Forces.

CEO Terri Zimmerman says it will ensure the military maintains a technological edge and has a reliable domestic battery supply chain.

“And they’re going to expand their production of these batteries that go into advanced weapons systems for our military including our special forces so that we stay ahead of any adversary like China or Russia,” said Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota.

Hoeven says the funding is through the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies Program.

He is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee.