Hadrian Expands Defense Manufacturing with New Mesa Arizona Factory

Hadrian’s Strategic Expansion: Building the Future of Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing in Mesa, Arizona

Hadrian, a California-based manufacturers, has announced a major expansion into Mesa, Arizona, with a $200 million investment in a new 270,000-square-foot factory. The move marks the company’s third manufacturing site and is part of its broader mission to modernize the U.S. defense supply chain through AI and automation. The new facility, dubbed Factory 3, is expected to be operational by early 2026 and will create 350 skilled jobs in the East Valley region.

This expansion is backed by a recent $260 million Series C funding round led by Founders Fund and Lux Capital, bringing Hadrian’s total funding to approximately $500 million. As the U.S. faces increasing global competition, particularly from China, Hadrian’s move represents a strategic step in bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities and ensuring supply chain resilience for critical defense systems.

Background of Hadrian and Its Founding Vision

Founding and Early Milestones

Hadrian was founded in 2020 by Chris Power, a former private equity investor, who identified inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in the U.S. aerospace and defense manufacturing sector. Traditional machine shops, often small and fragmented, were struggling to meet the growing demands of modern defense programs. Power envisioned a network of software-defined, automated factories capable of producing precision parts at scale and speed.

The company launched its first facility in Hawthorne, California, in 2021, followed by a second in Torrance in 2022. These sites served as proof-of-concept for Hadrian’s model, demonstrating that AI and robotics could dramatically improve efficiency and reduce costs in precision manufacturing.

Hadrian’s name reflects its mission: to build a modern industrial wall of defense for America, much like the Roman Emperor Hadrian did centuries ago. The firm aims to replace outdated manufacturing processes with scalable, automated systems that can adapt to evolving defense needs.

Technological Innovations and Production Capabilities

Hadrian’s proprietary Software, Opus, is at the core of its operations. This platform integrates AI and machine learning to automate nearly every aspect of production, from design interpretation to final inspection. Using real-time data, Opus optimizes machining parameters, predicts maintenance needs, and ensures consistent quality across production runs.

The company’s facilities use robotic cells to achieve up to 90% automation. This includes adaptive CNC controls, closed-loop metrology, and autonomous material handling systems. These innovations allow Hadrian to produce components 10 times faster and at half the cost of traditional methods.

Initially focused on aluminum parts, Hadrian has expanded into steel and is now developing capabilities for titanium and nickel alloys. These materials are essential for advanced defense applications such as hypersonic missiles and jet engines.

“We’re building the factories that will secure American leadership not through subsidies, but through superior production physics.”, Chris Power, CEO of Hadrian

The Mesa Factory: Investment, Scale, and Regional Impact

Facility Overview and Timeline

Factory 3 will be located in The Cubes at Mesa Gateway industrial complex and span 270,000 square feet. The facility is scheduled to be fully operational by January 2026. It will house advanced CNC machines, robotic assembly lines, and dedicated R&D labs focused on maritime defense components.

The $200 million investment is being financed through a combination of equity funding and a loan facility arranged by Morgan Stanley. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has praised the project, noting its alignment with state and national defense priorities and its potential to create high-quality jobs.

Factory 3 will be equipped with Hadrian’s Opus software, enabling rapid scaling and real-time monitoring. It will also serve as the headquarters for Hadrian Maritime, a new division focused on naval systems and shipbuilding components.

Workforce Development and Educational Partnerships

The Mesa facility is expected to create 350 new jobs, with a focus on training entry-level workers into skilled technicians in under a month. Hadrian is partnering with Arizona State University and Chandler-Gilbert Community College to develop specialized training programs in advanced manufacturing.

These initiatives aim to address a growing skills gap in the aerospace sector. According to a Deloitte report, the U.S. could face a shortage of 360,000 skilled manufacturing workers by 2028. By integrating education and training, Hadrian hopes to build a sustainable talent pipeline in the region.

Mesa’s East Valley is already a hub for aerospace manufacturing, home to companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman. The city’s infrastructure, including the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, offers logistical advantages that complement Hadrian’s operational needs.

Strategic Implications for U.S. Defense and Industry

Supply Chain Resilience and National Security

Hadrian’s expansion comes at a time when the U.S. is seeking to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defense components. The Department of Defense has identified domestic production resilience as a top priority, particularly in light of global tensions and supply chain disruptions.

Factory 3 will produce components for a range of defense systems, including F-35 fighters, submarines, and missile batteries. By localizing production, Hadrian helps mitigate risks associated with overseas manufacturing and long lead times.

Hadrian Maritime will focus specifically on naval defense, addressing gaps in shipbuilding capacity and supporting programs that require high-precision, corrosion-resistant materials.

Competing with China and Reindustrializing America

Chris Power has framed Hadrian’s mission as part of a broader effort to counter China’s industrial ambitions. China currently dominates global production of aerospace composites and specialty alloys, creating strategic vulnerabilities for the U.S.

Hadrian’s model offers a scalable alternative, leveraging software and automation to compete without relying on low-cost labor. The Mesa facility’s automation levels surpass those of comparable Chinese plants, while maintaining compliance with U.S. defense regulations.

The company’s expansion is supported by federal initiatives such as the Defense Production Act and CHIPS Act, which provide funding and incentives for domestic manufacturing. Factory 3 is eligible for workforce development grants and other federal support aimed at strengthening the defense industrial base.

Conclusion

Hadrian’s new Mesa factory represents a significant leap forward in the modernization of U.S. defense manufacturing. By combining cutting-edge technology, strategic location, and strong public-private partnerships, the company is setting a new standard for what domestic production can achieve in the 21st century.

As geopolitical tensions rise and supply chain vulnerabilities become more apparent, Hadrian’s model offers a scalable, resilient solution. With additional factories planned and strong investor backing, the company is well-positioned to play a central role in reindustrializing America and securing its defense supply chains for decades to come.

FAQ

What is Hadrian?
Hadrian is a California-based aerospace and defense manufacturer that uses AI and automation to produce precision components for military and space systems.

Where is Hadrian building its new factory?
The company is investing $200 million in a new 270,000-square-foot factory in Mesa, Arizona, scheduled to open in early 2026.

How many jobs will the new facility create?
The Mesa factory is expected to create 350 high-skilled manufacturing jobs.

What technologies does Hadrian use?
Hadrian uses a proprietary software platform called Opus, along with robotics and AI, to automate up to 90% of the manufacturing process.

Why is this expansion significant?
The expansion strengthens domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, aligning with U.S. national security goals.

Sources:
KTAR,
TechCrunch,
Defense.gov,
AZCentral,
Wall Street Journal