Lockheed Martin says munitions manufacturing expansion will create 6,000 U.S. jobs

Lockheed Martin plans to create 6,000 jobs across the United States, including 2,000 in Texas, as it expands munitions production. A $300 million investment in its Grand Prairie operation forms part of a broader commitment to spend $8–9 billion through 2030.

The Texas project will add manufacturing space and equipment for automation, digital production and precision machining. Hadrian will supply a 24-machine automated cell, expected to be operational in early 2027 and run by Lockheed Martin’s production workforce.

Lockheed Martin did not give a hiring timetable or say how many of the new Texas jobs would be at Grand Prairie. Nearly 800 production employees currently work at the facility, which manufactured 250,000 parts in 2025.

The expansion will bring the site’s manufacturing footprint to more than 735,000 square feet. It includes 100,000 square feet of new space and 85,000 square feet of offices being converted for manufacturing.

More than 30 additional high-precision machines installed in recent months are already producing thousands of components each week. The company expects to have added nearly 100 advanced machines at Grand Prairie by the end of 2026.

“Lockheed Martin has brought together commercial speed and combat-proven performance because America needs both,” said Jim Taiclet, the company’s chairman, president and chief executive. “By combining advanced technology with the expertise of our American workforce, we’re transforming manufacturing to deliver critical munitions at speed and scale.”

Grand Prairie supplies components for Missiles and Fire Control programs, including PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, PrSM and JATM. Its output supports final-assembly sites including Camden, Arkansas, and Troy, Alabama.

Lockheed Martin’s wider investment commitment covers modernization or expansion of more than 20 U.S. facilities through 2030. The company is also working with GM Defense to apply automotive manufacturing expertise to defense production.

“This expansion is more than just a new facility; it is a stronger supply chain and a more resilient industrial base,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “Today in Grand Prairie, American industry is answering the call to support our warfighters.”

The company said agreements for PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, PrSM and JATM provide greater certainty for investment in personnel, equipment and supply chains. Those arrangements, developed with Department of War leadership, are intended to support faster production and deliveries.

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BD plans $19 billion U.S. investment, including $3 billion for manufacturing expansion

Franklin Lakes-based BD plans to invest $19 billion in the United States over several years under an agreement with the U.S. government, including $3 billion for manufacturing expansion.

The company said the investment will support domestic production of essential medical consumables used in patient care. BD intends to increase U.S. production by about 5 billion devices a year, which it expects would bring its share of domestically supplied essential medical consumables to roughly 80%.

BD also plans to manufacture all needles it uses in the United States domestically, using U.S.-made steel.

The agreement provides relief from future tariffs imposed under Section 232 on covered BD products and inputs, subject to the final scope and implementation of any future actions and BD’s achievement of agreed milestones. The company said tariff rates, product scope and timing have not been finalized, and it is not yet estimating the agreement’s financial impact.

“This agreement reflects a shared commitment between the U.S. Government and BD to strengthening America’s healthcare infrastructure, expanding U.S. manufacturing capacity and supporting reliable access to essential medical technologies,” BD Chairman, CEO and President Tom Polen said.

The release lists BD manufacturing locations in Columbus and Broken Bow, Nebraska; Canaan, Connecticut; Añasco, Puerto Rico; Sandy, Utah; El Paso, Texas; Covington, Georgia; and Sumter, South Carolina. It does not specify how investment will be allocated among those locations or identify a New Jersey site.

The planned investment includes capital, operational and supply-chain spending, according to BD. The company said the agreement is intended to support manufacturing and innovation while increasing domestic production of medical consumables.

BD said it expects to provide further information once the future tariff rates and covered products are finalized. The announcement does not specify an investment schedule, the milestones tied to tariff relief or the expected timing of the manufacturing expansions.

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6K Additive Secures $27.4 Million EXIM Loan For U.S. Manufacturing Expansion

6K Additive has executed a final $27.4 million secured loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of the United States to expand domestic manufacturing capacity for critical materials used in aerospace, defense, space, energy and advanced industrial applications.

The six-year facility is available for drawdown through June 30, 2028.

The financing includes an initial 12-month interest-only period followed by amortizing principal payments during the remaining five years.

The loan will carry a fixed Commercial Interest Reference Rate determined five business days before the first disbursement. The published rate cited in the announcement was 5.38%.

Up to $25.2 million of the facility will finance eligible project costs, while up to $2.2 million will finance an 8.9% EXIM exposure fee on disbursements.

6K estimated an all-in annual borrowing cost of approximately 6.86% based on then-current published rates. The facility also includes a 0.5% annual commitment fee on undrawn and uncanceled commitments during the drawdown period.

Proceeds are immediately available to reimburse 6K for equipment and infrastructure purchases related to expansion of its Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, manufacturing facility.

The expansion includes four new buildings and additional manufacturing equipment intended to increase production of nickel, titanium, tungsten, C-103 and other advanced metal powders.

The loan was approved through EXIM’s Make More in America Initiative in coordination with the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Production Act Title III initiative.

6K said the financing was initially approved by EXIM’s board in December 2025, subject to completion of final loan documentation.

KEY QUOTES:

“Finalizing this agreement with EXIM marks an important milestone for 6K Additive and reinforces the strategic importance of expanding domestic production of the critical materials essential to America’s defense and advanced manufacturing industries. This investment directly supports the Make More in America Initiative and provides 6K Additive with the funding required to execute our planned capacity expansion while preserving our existing capital to support continued growth. We greatly appreciate EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic’s leadership and support in bringing this agreement to completion.”

Frank Roberts, CEO of 6K Additive

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Bayer plans $2.2 billion U.S. manufacturing expansion

NEW ALBANY, Ohio — Bayer plans to invest $2.2 billion in a new pharmaceutical manufacturing site in New Albany, a project expected to create about 600 jobs and expand the company’s U.S. production capacity.

The new facility will be located in the New Albany International Business Park and is designed to manufacture medicines for patients in the United States and other markets. Bayer said the investment builds on more than $7 billion it has spent on U.S. pharmaceutical research and development and manufacturing over the past five years.

“Bayer has long seen the United States as a key manufacturing base and innovation hub. This landmark investment underscores our commitment,” said Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer. “The new site will be home to manufacturing expertise and a skilled workforce that will strengthen our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality medicines to patients both in the United States and abroad.”

The flexible, modular campus will combine drug substance and drug product manufacturing and use digital and automation technologies. Production will initially support Bayer’s portfolio in oncology, cardiovascular and renal care.

The first module, focused on drug substance manufacturing, is expected to begin operations in 2031. A second module for drug product manufacturing is planned to follow in 2034.

“The United States is a key market for Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals division. This expansion is another important step to grow our pharmaceuticals business and to meet the demand of our customers and patients in the U.S., our fastest-growing pharmaceuticals market, and beyond,” said Sebastian Guth, global chief operating officer of Bayer Pharmaceuticals and president of Bayer U.S.

In addition to approximately 600 permanent jobs, Bayer expects the project to support roughly 1,500 construction jobs.

“The facility will be a strong strategic addition to our global Product Supply network. As we continue to invest in our existing manufacturing sites around the globe, our planned presence in Ohio will further enhance our ability to serve our markets with greater resilience and reliability,” said Holger Weintritt, head of Product Supply at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals division.

The Ohio operation will complement Bayer’s U.S. pharmaceuticals headquarters in Whippany, N.J., and its existing locations in Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts and North Carolina. Bayer also plans for the site to be part of a U.S.-based collaboration network connecting academic research with pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise.

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ISM Manufacturing PMI August 2026: Expansion Slows Amid Tariff and War Concerns – News and Statistics

Sep 1, 2026

The U.S. manufacturing sector continued its expansion in August, marking the eighth straight month of growth, as the Institute for Supply Management‘s latest Purchasing Managers Index came in at 54.6%—a decline of one full percentage point from July’s figure. ISM also reported that the broader economy has now grown for 22 consecutive months. Any reading below the 50% threshold signals contraction within the industry.

Meanwhile, the S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI held steady at 53.9%, matching its July level. Susan Spence, chair of ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, said during a Monday media call that despite the ongoing expansion, the Iran war and tariff threats remain the foremost concerns for the manufacturing sector.

Survey comments in August were split, with 42% positive and 58% negative, translating to a 1-to-1.4 ratio of positive to negative sentiment, according to Spence’s news release. Among the negative remarks, pricing volatility was cited in 57%, extended lead times in 46%, the Iran war in 30%, and tariffs in 29%.

Five of the six largest manufacturing industries saw growth in August: transportation equipment, petroleum and coal products, machinery, computer and electronic products, and food, beverage and tobacco products.

The New Orders Index rose for the eighth consecutive month, registering 53.7%—a drop of 3 percentage points from July’s 56.7%. The Production Index came in at 58.3%, slightly lower by 0.2 percentage point compared to July’s 58.5%. The Prices Index stayed in expansion territory at 71.1%, unchanged from the prior month. The Backlog of Orders Index fell to 51.8%, down 3.2 percentage points from July’s 55%. The Employment Index slipped to 51.2%, a 1.6-percentage-point decrease from July’s 52.8%, with the sector adding 5,000 jobs in July.

The Supplier Deliveries Index pointed to slower performance for the ninth month in a row, following a single month in faster territory. It registered 59.3%, up 0.4 percentage point from July’s 58.9%. This is the only ISM PMI Report index where a reading above 50% denotes slower deliveries. The Inventories Index stood at 50.6%, down 0.6 percentage point from July’s 51.2%. The Customers Inventories Index climbed to 42.8%, a 2.1-percentage-point increase from the 40.7% recorded in July. The New Export Orders Index edged up 0.2 percentage point to 53.2%, compared to 53% the previous month. The Imports Index fell to 52.5%, a 3.2-percentage-point decline from July’s 55.7%.

Among ISM’s four demand indicators, three—New Orders, Backlog of Orders, and New Export Orders—remained in expansion, while the Customers Inventories Index stayed in too low territory, contracting at a faster pace. A too low reading on the Customers Inventories Index is typically viewed as a positive sign for future production.

Spence noted that August manufacturing activity stayed in expansion, though it lost ground in several key metrics, particularly New Orders, Backlog, and Imports. Of the five subindexes feeding into the PMI, only Supplier Deliveries accelerated compared to the prior month, signaling a continued slowdown in the supply chain.

Numerous respondents pointed to tariffs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions as drags on their operations. One respondent from the chemical products industry lamented that the economy was interfering with otherwise strong business, citing price escalations from tariffs and the Strait of Hormuz conflict as threats to sales and customer purchasing power. A respondent in the computer and electronic products sector described a fresh supply chain crisis, more severe and complex than the one seen during and after COVID-19, driven by AI infrastructure demands and global market volatility tied to the Middle East war and shifting trade regulations. The steel industry has also felt the impact, most recently from 50% tariffs imposed by Canada that mirrored new U.S. tariffs.

Spence expressed less optimism about this month’s results compared to last month’s. She highlighted that this was the first time she had observed a drop exceeding three points in three significant areas. While demand sentiment remains broadly positive, it has weakened, and she voiced uncertainty about customer behavior, indicating she is beginning to see warning signs.

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Boresight Ltd (ASX:BST) Share Price Holds Focus on Drone Manufacturing Expansion and Defence Demand

Highlights

• Boresight Ltd (ASX:BST) shares closed at AUD 0.340 on 19 August 2026, declining 2.857% during the session.
• The company develops unmanned aerial systems for defence, security and government customers.
• FY26 unaudited Revenue was reported at AUD 6.7 million, up from AUD 4.36 million in FY25.
• Boresight is expanding United States Manufacturing capacity through a new Facility in Alabama.
• The company remains focused on scaling production and converting defence Demand into commercial opportunities.

Boresight Ltd (ASX:BST) shares closed at AUD 0.340 on 19 August 2026, declining AUD 0.009 or 2.857% compared with the previous close of AUD 0.350. The stock traded between AUD 0.340 and AUD 0.370, with a Volume of 104,610 shares.

The company recorded a Market Capitalisation of AUD 73.15 million, with 209,022,782 ordinary fully paid shares on issue.

The share price movement occurred during the early months following the company’s ASX listing in June 2026. Trading activity remains influenced by limited public trading history and ongoing market assessment of the company’s defence technology operations.

Business Overview and Defence Technology Operations

Boresight designs and manufactures unmanned aerial systems used for defence and security applications. The company develops aerial target drones used for counter-unmanned aerial systems training, testing and defence exercises, along with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drone platforms.

The company’s products include target drone systems and camera-equipped drone solutions designed for government, military and industry customers.

Boresight listed on the ASX in June 2026 following an initial public offering that raised approximately AUD 8.0 million.

Manufacturing Expansion and US Strategy

A key development following the listing was Boresight’s expansion of its United States manufacturing capability.

In July 2026, the company announced a Lease for a new manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The facility covers approximately 812 square metres and is intended to increase production capacity for the company’s drone products.

The facility is expected to support production of Boresight’s BQ-400 target drone and future products while expanding the company’s ability to service defence customers in the United States.

The company has also continued product development, including updates to its drone range and additional capabilities for defence applications.

Financial Performance and Revenue Growth

Boresight reported unaudited FY26 revenue of AUD 6.7 million, representing growth from AUD 4.36 million in FY25. The company recorded quarterly revenue of AUD 2.44 million during the June 2026 quarter.

The company remains in a growth phase and has not yet reached profitability. Based on available market data, Boresight reported negative trailing earnings per share, with no applicable price-to-earnings ratio.

The company’s financial performance will depend on securing additional defence contracts, scaling manufacturing operations and managing operating costs.

Defence Programs and Customer Development

Boresight has been developing relationships with defence customers through target drone and ISR drone programs.

The company has supplied aerial target drones for defence Training activities and has continued developing products aimed at counter-drone testing and evaluation requirements.

Boresight’s Business model includes recurring demand potential because target drones are designed for training environments where systems may be expended and replaced. However, contract timing and government procurement cycles remain important factors affecting revenue visibility.

Key Areas to Monitor

Future updates will focus on production scale-up, US manufacturing progress, customer contracts and quarterly Cash Flow performance.

The company’s first full-year reporting period as a listed entity will provide additional information on revenue performance, operating costs and cash usage.

Investors will also monitor whether the company can expand its customer base across defence markets while maintaining sufficient funding for manufacturing growth.

Risks and Challenges

Boresight faces risks related to defence procurement cycles, customer concentration, manufacturing expansion, competition and funding requirements. Government contracts can involve long decision periods and uncertain timing. Establishing overseas manufacturing capability may require additional investment, while the company remains loss-making and may require further capital in the future.

The company also operates in a competitive defence technology market where larger international suppliers may have greater resources.

Outlook

Boresight continues to focus on expanding drone manufacturing capacity, developing defence technology products and building customer relationships across international markets. The company’s outlook depends on converting defence demand into contracts, increasing production capability and managing cash requirements during its growth phase.

Progress at the United States manufacturing facility, additional product releases and customer adoption will be key factors influencing future performance.

Conclusion

Boresight’s share price movement on 19 August 2026 occurred as the recently listed defence technology company continued developing its manufacturing footprint and product pipeline. The company has established revenue generation and is expanding into larger markets through increased production capability. However, Boresight remains in an early growth stage, with future performance dependent on contract wins, manufacturing execution and financial management.

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XTEND Highlights U.S. Drone Manufacturing Expansion as New Tariffs Strengthen Case for Domestic NDAA-Compliant Supply Chain

~ New Tariffs of Up to 100% on Imported Drones Underscore the Case for the Domestic, NDAA-Compliant Manufacturing Base XTEND Has Been Building ~

~ Company’s Growing Tampa-Based XFAB Facility and U.S. Manufacturing Relationships Support XTEND’s Plans to Scale Production as America Reduces Reliance on Foreign-Made Drone Technology ~

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

JFB Construction Holdings (Nasdaq: JFB) announced today that XTEND, a leader in AI-powered autonomy and software-defined robotics, is positioned to support America’s newly announced drive to strengthen its domestic drone industrial base. President Trump this week signed a proclamation imposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and certain drone components, citing national security risks tied to foreign-made, and in particular Chinese-made, unmanned aircraft technology and the need to strengthen the U.S. drone industrial base. Under the proclamation, drones weighing more than 25 kilograms or equipped with thermal imaging, along with their docking stations and critical components, are subject to a 100% tariff, while smaller drones lacking security-sensitive features and other drone components face a 25% tariff, with most provisions taking effect within 21 days of signing.

As the United States moves decisively to strengthen its domestic drone industrial base and reduce dependence on Chinese technology, XTEND finds itself exactly where it was built to be.

XTEND has been developing and supplying NDAA-compliant drone technology and robotic systems to the U.S. Department of War (“DOW”), winning U.S. defense programs and investing in the American manufacturing infrastructure needed to produce them at scale in the United States.

XTEND’s growing U.S. manufacturing facility, XFAB, in Tampa, Florida, which XTEND is continuing to develop and expand, was built around this exact vision, which is directly aligned with the objectives of the new proclamation: bring critical drone technology, components and manufacturing to the United States and create a secure American alternative to foreign-controlled supply chains. The Tampa facility is the U.S. anchor of XTEND’s global XFAB manufacturing network, which combines localized regional production with centralized software innovation through its proprietary XTEND Operating System (XOS) across facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Israel, and Latvia. Earlier this month, XTEND announced that it had produced seven robotic platforms across its five global XFAB facilities in a single week, all powered by XOS. As XTEND continues to build out its U.S. production capacity, it also works with U.S.-based manufacturers to support increased production. XTEND believes it brings not only its technology, but also its proven XFAB model for building a network of American manufacturing at scale.

Beyond defense, XTEND is also expanding into the private security market, and expects its ability to deliver NDAA-compliant drones manufactured in the United States to be a competitive advantage there as well, as private security customers increasingly prioritize secure, domestically manufactured systems.

Today, that vision has become a national priority.

XTEND wasn’t built in response to this moment. XTEND was built for it.

“We made the bet that America would need a homegrown, NDAA-compliant alternative to Chinese drone technology, and we are building XFAB, our people and our supply chain around that bet,” said Aviv Shapira, Chief Executive Officer of XTEND. “These tariffs validate what our defense customers have known for years: security and resilience start with who builds your technology and where. We’re not reacting to this moment; we’ve been preparing for it since day one, and we’re building the capacity to scale.”

To sign up to receive press releases in real time, please visit ir.xtend.me.

As announced on February 17, 2026, JFB Construction Holdings (Nasdaq: JFB) and XTEND entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction. The business combination is further supported by strategic investments from Eric Trump, Unusual Machines, American Ventures, LLC, Protego Ventures, and Aliya Capital. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission declared the registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the transaction effective on August 11, 2026, clearing the way toward an anticipated closing on September 1, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, the combined company will be renamed XTEND AI Robotics, Inc., a U.S. public company incorporated in Delaware, and is expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “XTND.” The closing will complete XTEND’s transition to a U.S.-domiciled public company, aligning its corporate structure with its growing American manufacturing footprint.

About XTEND

XTEND is a leader in software systems and artificial intelligence-powered robotics, deployed in high-threat, complex operational environments where human exposure carries significant risk. Powered by its proprietary XTEND Operating System (XOS), XTEND’s integrated software and advanced robotic hardware solutions are designed to provide autonomy at the edge. Operating across defense, law enforcement, and private security missions through a platform of robots, drones, and robotic subsystems, XTEND’s open architecture platform facilitates scalability across partners and third-party applications. With over 12,500 systems deployed in over 30 countries, XTEND’s solutions have been validated in five combat zones and operationally deployed by national defense, special-mission units, and security organizations across the globe. Founded in Tel Aviv, Israel, and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, XTEND delivers NDAA-compliant solutions through a global network of regional XFAB manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, Israel, and Latvia. XTEND has previously announced a proposed business combination with JFB Construction Holdings (Nasdaq: JFB); upon closing, the combined company will be renamed XTEND AI Robotics, Inc., a U.S. public company incorporated in Delaware. For more information, visit

www.xtend.me

.

About JFB Construction Holdings

JFB Construction Holdings (Nasdaq: JFB) is a real estate development and construction company that has provided general contracting and construction management services in 36 U.S. states. For more information, visit the company’s SEC filings at

www.sec.gov

.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains, and oral statements made from time to time by our representatives may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements regarding the anticipated impact of recently announced U.S. tariffs on imported drones and drone components, XTEND’s ability to scale U.S. manufacturing at its XFAB facility, XTEND’s relationships with U.S.-based manufacturers, its ability to build a network of U.S. manufacturing at scale, and their anticipated contribution to increased production, XTEND’s expansion into the private security market and the anticipated benefits of U.S.-based, NDAA-compliant manufacturing in that market, the potential transaction between XTEND Reality Expansion Ltd. (“XTEND”) and JFB Construction Holdings (“JFB”), including statements regarding the expected impacts and benefits of the potential transaction, the timing of the transaction closing, and strategic initiatives for XTEND AI Robotics, Inc. (“NewCo”) following the closing. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this communication may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “outlook,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions.

The forward-looking statements in this communication are only predictions. XTEND’s and JFB’s management have based these forward-looking statements largely on their current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that management believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the ultimate scope, duration, and implementation of recently announced tariffs on imported drones and components, and their impact on XTEND’s costs, competitive position, and customers; the proposed transaction with JFB may not be consummated, or may not close on the anticipated timeline; there may be difficulties integrating the two companies and realizing the expected benefits of the transaction; XTEND’s ability to complete the continued development of, and scale U.S.-based manufacturing at XFAB to meet increased demand; XTEND’s ability to maintain and expand its relationships with U.S.-based manufacturers, to build a network of U.S.-based manufacturing at scale, and to realize the expected benefits of these relationships; XTEND’s ability to successfully expand into the private security market; XTEND’s dependence on a limited number of defense and governmental security customers for a substantial portion of its business; significant delays or reductions in appropriations, XTEND’s programs and certain government funding and programs more broadly, including as a result of a prolonged continuing resolution and/or government shutdown, and/or related to the global security environment or other global events; increased competition within XTEND’s and JFB’s markets; changes in procurement and other U.S. and foreign laws, including changes through executive orders and tariff actions, contract terms and practices applicable to our industry; disruptions in supply chains and the cost of components and materials; cyber and other security threats or disruptions faced by XTEND and JFB, its customers or its suppliers and other partners; and XTEND’s ability to innovate, develop new products and technologies, and maintain technologies to meet the needs of XTEND’s customers. In addition, a number of important factors could cause JFB’s, XTEND’s or NewCo’s actual future results and other future circumstances to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those important factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by JFB and NewCo, as any such factors may be updated from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available on the SEC’s website at

https://www.sec.gov

and on XTEND’s investor relations site at

https://www.xtend.me/newsroom

and JFB’s investor relations site at

https://investors.jfbconstruction.net/

. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except as may be required under applicable law, neither XTEND nor JFB undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any issuance or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Investors and security holders of XTEND and JFB are urged to read the information statement/prospectus and registration statement on Form S-4, and any other document that has been or will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction, carefully and in their entirety, because they contain important information. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents through the website maintained by the SEC at

https://www.sec.gov

, or free of charge on JFB’s website at

https://investors.jfbconstruction.net/

.

JFB Construction Holdings Contact:

CORE IR

Mike Mason

516-222-2560


[email protected]

XTEND Media Contact:

Headline Media

Sarah Small

929-255-1449


[email protected]

XTEND Investor Relations:

MZ North America

Shannon Devine


[email protected]


203-741-8811

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BeOne Medicines Plans $300M NJ Expansion, Bringing US Manufacturing Investment Over $1B

Editor’s Take: Whether based in the U.S. or globally, companies continue to seek opportunities to grow their business stateside.

BeOne Medicines is announcing a $300 million expansion of its clinical- and commercial-stage manufacturing and R&D center in Hopewell, NJ. This newest tranche of money takes BeOne’s United States manufacturing investment over $1 billion.

History of BeOne in NJ

The center, at the Princeton West Innovation Campus, opened in July 2024 on an initial investment of $800 million. A new, three-story, 145,000-square-foot building will bring the total campus footprint into the neighborhood of 545,000 square feet.

Over 42 acres, the site boasts more than 1 million square feet of developable real estate earmarked for future growth.

The expansion makes the campus a fully integrated, multi-platform manufacturing site combining existing biologics and new small molecule drug production.

Growing Manufacturing Capabilities

The added drug product manufacturing and packaging operations serve to strengthen BeOne’s production and supply chain capabilities. According to the company, this in turn supports a growing hematology portfolio and pipeline.

BeOne Medicines CEO Aaron Rosenberg weighed the impact of the announcement.

“[This] reflects BeOne’s commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing and expanding access to innovative medicines for patients with cancer,” Rosenberg said.

Not only President Donald Trump’s tax policies, Rosenberg said, but also NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill’s support of advanced manufacturing contributed.

In particular, the “Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program,” according to Rosenberg, encourages high-quality job creation.

“Together, these efforts create an environment for long-term growth,” Rosenberg said. “We are proud to continue expanding our global footprint in support of patients.”

The newly announced BeOne facility should be operational in 2029, the company says; subsequently, U.S. headcount will number approximately 240.

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Manna Aero launches US expansion and opens Tulsa manufacturing hub | Ukraine news

An Irish drone startup aims to rapidly scale in the US with a Tulsa manufacturing hub and plans to hire hundreds of workers. Anticipate regulatory milestones and local impact.

Manna Aero, an Irish startup in autonomous drone delivery, plans to broaden its presence in the U.S. market. Founder and CEO Bobby Healy told TechCrunch that the company is currently gearing up for a large-scale American expansion.

After raising $50 million in venture funding in April, Manna Aero announced the creation of a new operations and manufacturing center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company expects the center to provide around 1,000 jobs over the next few years. Construction of the plant has already begun, and production is planned to start in about a year.

After construction begins, the team will focus on scaling the operations side to around 200–300 people over the next 12 months. The speed of hiring at the plant will depend on growth outside Tulsa, as the company is considering six other U.S. cities. If the strategy proves successful, Manna intends to begin expanding into these cities by the end of 2027.

Plan for expansion in the U.S. market

The main goal is to position Manna Aero as one of the leading drone-delivery players in the United States, competing with Zipline, Amazon, and Wing from Google.

It’s the market size, consumer behavior, and the fact that aggregators (DoorDash, Uber Eats) have consolidated the market and run it so well. The United States has the market that everyone wants.

– Bobby Healy

Manna’s drone model envisions using automated, remotely piloted aircraft that do not land on the ground. The package descends via a cable – the same approach used by Wing and Zipline. The company has adopted a hybrid business model: a pay-per-flight delivery service along with various routes to reach its goal through partnerships with DoorDash, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats in Europe, as well as direct deals with companies and its own consumer app.

Currently, Manna’s headquarters are in Ireland, where its research, administrative, and manufacturing units are concentrated. However, the company paused drone delivery operations in Ireland last month due to a lack of regulatory norms that would enable scaling.

Instead, the startup is directing its resources and capital to the United States. The company has named former Ryanair chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs as its executive chairman and president to spearhead the expansion.

Healy emphasized that the policies of the Trump administration and the Federal Aviation Administration have given the industry a “turbo boost” in the country, and that is reflected in investments.

According to Healy, the growth of Amazon, Wing, and Zipline over the past year demonstrates the positive impact of such regulatory support. “We may be a little behind the curve, but we will catch up quickly,” he said.

Although Manna has roots in Ireland, its activity in the U.S. market is growing: in 2023 the company began operating in the AllianceTexas Mobility Zone near Dallas, Texas, as part of Hillwood’s planned cluster development. According to Healy, Manna has expanded its presence in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and plans to continue scaling there over the next year.

The growing footprint in the United States comes amid a friendly regulatory environment and rising demand for drone delivery, creating favorable conditions for rapid growth for the startup.

In summary, Manna Aero’s expansion into the United States unlocks new opportunities for manufacturing and employment, while testing regulatory and market conditions in the U.S., where competition for drone-delivery market leadership centers around players such as Zipline, Amazon, and Wing.

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Survey Shows U.S. Manufacturing Expansion at Slower Pace

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Written by Danny Levin, Deputy Editor for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

Summary

Economic activity in U.S. manufacturing expanded for the sixth straight month, according to the ISM’s latest PMI survey, but at a slightly slower pace than in May.

U.S. Manufacturing Activity Rolls On

The Institute of Supply Management’s (ISM) Purchasing Managers Index showed economic activity in U.S. manufacturing expanded for the sixth straight month in June, but at a slightly slower pace month-over-month. Respondents to the accompanying survey continue to express concern around the Iran war and U.S. trade policy, although price pressures lessened.

The PMI, which tracks 18 manufacturing sectors in the U.S., registered 53.3% in June, down from 54% in May–indicating slightly slower growth month-over-month. But that figure still is up from 52.7% in both April and March. Any reading over 50% indicates expansion in the manufacturing economy.

According to Industrial Info Resources data, there is $655 billion worth of projects under construction in the U.S. Industrial Manufacturing Industry; more than half of the investment is attributed to data centers and semiconductors. The Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database offers a full list of projects.

Any reading under 50% indicates contraction in the manufacturing economy.

Although “the ongoing war and price volatility” remain a worry, “the badness is better than last month,” Susan Spence, chair of ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, said during a news media call on July 1.

Two of the four demand indicators–the New Orders and Backlog of Orders indexes–expanded in June, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in May. In terms of output, production also grew at a slower rate month-over-month, but the survey showed Supplier Deliveries (delivery times) are slowing–which is considered positive for future production.

In addition, the Employment and Inventories indexes improved, with the latter entering expansion territory.

Iran War’s Effect on Sentiment

“In June, 34% of the comments were positive and 66% negative, with a 1-to-1.9 ratio of positive to negative sentiment,” she said in the report summary of findings. “Among negative comments, the Iran war was mentioned in 31% and tariffs in 17%; 50% of the panelists mentioned pricing volatility as an issue for their companies.”

That is an improvement from May’s ratio of 1-to-2.7.

Although June’s Prices Index, an indicator of input and raw materials costs, continues to show elevated price pressures, the reading of 73% improved from May’s 82.1%.

The elevated index continues to be driven by increases in steel and aluminum prices impacting the entire value chain; tariffs applied to many imported goods; and increases in petroleum-based products as a result of the recent Middle East conflict.

“Prices are going in a really wonderful direction,” Spence said on the media call. Speaking to the survey comments, “it is all about pricing,” and she was “erring on the caution’s side” in forecasting the business environment for the second half of the year. But she also noted that “optimism is there and it’s creeping in.”

“The conflict in Iran has impacted pricing in every category of raw materials,” one respondent from Chemical Products said. “Especially, items that have a heavy concentration of oil in the components like our adhesives.”

Price instability is forcing a “more conservative approach to capital expenditures,” another respondent in the Computer & Electronic Products sector said.

The ISM considers semiconductors and data-center components to be part of the sector.

Data Center Construction, Semiconductors Drive Strong Manufacturing Capex

South Korea-based semiconductor company SK Hynix is building out its U.S. production capacity via a roughly $4 billion grassroot plant in West Lafayette, Indiana. The 430,000-square-foot packaging fabrication plant and research and development hub will support high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used for artificial intelligence. Production is expected to begin in 2028.

High-dollar data center projects include the estimated $650 million construction of Building 11 at Google’s Moncks Corner Data Center in South Carolina. The 275,000-square-foot addition is designed to help support services such as Google Cloud and Gmail. The project is expected to wrap up next year.

Readers can view the two project reports.

Key Takeaways

• The ISM’s PMI survey shows U.S. manufacturing activity expanded for the sixth straight month in June but at a slightly slower pace compared with May.
• The Iran war is driving ongoing price pressures for manufacturers, although they indicated that is easing.
• Data centers and semiconductors buoy U.S. manufacturing-related construction underway, according to Industrial Info Resources data.

About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR’s Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).

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