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N.D. (AP) – North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple says that ComDel Innovation Inc., and Altavian are partnering to manufacture drones and components at ComDel’s plant in Wahpeton.

Officials with the joint venture say the aircraft will remain in the state and be used by research institutions and North Dakota-based companies.

Dalrymple says the announcement is an important step in growing the unmanned aircraft industry in the state. North Dakota is home to one of six national test sites working on the safe integration of drones into the nation’s airspace.

Altavian is based in Gainesville, Florida. The company provides unmanned aircraft and associated data collection services.