GRIFF Aviation North America celebrated its grand opening in Lakeland on Friday by showing off what its current prototype drone can do.

  • GRIFF Aviation is a Norwegian manufacturer
  • Parts for products built in Lakeland to come from Norway
  • Company to open assembly plant at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport

The demonstration featured the GRIFF 135 prototype carrying a box. The company said the 135 is capable of carrying up to 170 pounds.

The company is in the process of designing a drone that can carry up to a ton. Such drones could potentially replace cranes on industrial or construction sites.

GRIFF Aviation North America President Mark Boyd said the company's drones are currently in demand by the military, and farmers for crop dusting.

“We feel that we have an advantage because we are pioneering the heavy lift aspect of the commercial drone,” said Boyd.

Boyd believes the drones will also be useful for search and rescue, and movie production.

The company plans to open an assembly plant at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.

“Probably within 30 to 60 days we’ll be cranking drones out of this location,” explained Boyd.

GRIFF Aviation chose Lakeland because of its close proximity to Tampa International airport, and the area's existing aviation community.  

“It’s so rural. We love that," said Boyd. "But from an operating standpoint, this airport was perfect for what we wanted to do."

GRIFF Aviation North America is the North American distributor for GRIFF Aviation, the Norwegian manufacturer. Future drones will be assembled in Lakeland, but the parts and technology will come from Norway.

Atlantic Airlines owner Mark Blanton was one of the people who came to watch the demonstration. He wants to buy a drone that can lift air conditioners, so he can sell the service to construction companies.

“There are probably about 750 drone manufacturers out there, and whoever gets to the finish line first is going to win our business, because I know the construction guys want to lower their cost. Speed is everything,” said Blanton.

Boyd said there are still a lot of challenges to overcome with this new technology. Their focus currently is increasing the drone’s flight time.
 
“That’s’ the biggest drawback to drones right now, they can’t fly very long," Boyd explained. "A helicopter can fly for a couple of hours.  A drone can fly for 30 min."

Also, GRIFF aviation is waiting on the FAA to release its regulations regarding heavy lifting drones. The company’s president said right now customers can apply for a waiver, which the FAA issues on a case by case basis.