Hadrian has announced plans to build a large-scale manufacturing and software hub, known as Factory 3 (F3), in Mesa, Arizona. The company, which develops AI-powered factories for the aerospace and defense sectors, invested $200 million into the project, which will create 350 new jobs.
The 270,000-square-foot facility will support manufacturing operations that convert raw materials into components and mission-critical systems. Powered by Opus, Hadrian’s proprietary software stack for production autonomy, the factory is expected to be fully operational by early 2026. The software enables rapid factory deployment in under six months and supports scalable, precision production that strengthens aerospace and defense supply chains.
The new facility will be located in Building A at The Cubes Mesa Gateway, a two-building Class A industrial project developed by CRG Integrated Real Estate Solutions. Hadrian was represented in the lease by Greg Matter, Kyle Westfall, Eric Turner, Meredith O’Connor and Ada Wong of JLL.
Hadrian also announced a broader $260 million capital investment that includes expanded operations in both California and Arizona. The funding, secured through Series C financing led by Founders Fund and Lux Capital along with a factory expansion loan facility arranged by Morgan Stanley, will allow the company to scale its production and research footprint. These expansions include a 400,000-square-foot corporate and R&D headquarters and the launch of Hadrian Maritime—a new division focused on applying Hadrian’s autonomous factory model to shipbuilding and naval defense.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Chris Power, Founder and CEO, Hadrian, said, “America cannot afford to lose another generation of industrial capacity. We’re building the factories that will secure American leadership in advanced manufacturing and create new jobs here in the United States. China is making massive bets on industrial dominance. The United States needs to respond not just with policy, but with production. That’s what Hadrian is here to do.”
Katie Hobbs, Governor, State of Arizona, added, “Arizona is at the heart of America's national defense. We continue to be a premier destination for the fast-growing aerospace and defense industry. This new investment will further solidify our state's leadership and provide family-sustaining jobs for Arizonans.”
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Investing in American manufacturing in 2025
This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.
