Drone Institute announced a $340,000 expansion of its Lafayette headquarters set to be completed by June of next year. CEO George Femmer says the project will consolidate drone operations, data processing and pilot training into one facility.
“Our funds, specifically, are going to go towards the renovation of the facility for our employees, towards the development and build-out of a high-end training center. We have a bunch of conference rooms. We have a bunch of different training rooms that are set up right now. We just need to get them up to snuff,” Femmer explained.
The company and development is estimated to produce nearly 1,400 new jobs over the next ten years, many of which Femmer says will be high paying.
“We think it’s really important to pay people well. We’re going to be able to source the best in the top talent that’s out there and drive meaningful growth for ourselves and deliver quality products on time, and ahead of time for our clients,” Femmer said.
Louisiana offered Drone Institute an incentives package including a $300,000 performance-based grant to assist in building renovation costs in order to secure the project. Femmer says he’s been glad to call Lafayette home and invest in its future.
“Our goal is to offer meaningful work that people will enjoy. And at the same time, it’s not something that we can tout as our own, but we’re fortunate to live in a place that offers many benefits, so that everybody can enjoy what they do and where they live,” Femmer said.
Construction will begin by the end of this year, and Drone Institute training and operations will continue during the multi-stage renovation plan.
