Comments Off on How Small Texas Manufacturers are Gaining Access to Elite Defense Engineering Tools at a Critical Time
Published by All3DP | Written by Eartha Hopkins, Content Coordinator
On the western edge of Texas, El Paso Makes is redefining how regional manufacturing supports national security. As the Department of War (DoW) advances digital engineering (DE), additive manufacturing (AM), and secure cloud systems, with computer-aided design (CAD) at the helm, it’s evident that America’s readiness depends on a stronger, more resilient Defense Industrial Base (DIB). This expansion marks its deliberate broadening to include manufacturing capabilities not previously developed at scale, representing a pivotal shift that reinforces the robust strength being built in communities like El Paso.
Comments Off on El Paso Makes Secures Federal Community Project Funding to Advance Digital Manufacturing for Defense Applications
EL PASO, TX – El Paso Makes has been awarded a $1,031,000 federal Community Project grant, one of just 12 selected from more than 60 applicants, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (16th District, Texas) announced March 12.
The Fiscal Year 2026 funding will support a manufacturing research initiative aimed at helping El Paso’s small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt digital engineering and automation technologies — tools considered essential to strengthening U.S. defense production.
The project focuses on developing scalable models to support the production of All Domain Attritable Autonomous Systems (ADA2), autonomous defense technologies viewed as critical to maintaining a competitive edge against global adversaries such as China.
El Paso Makes will work directly with regional manufacturers to integrate advanced digital tools into production environments, enabling companies to modernize operations and expand their participation in aerospace and defense supply chains.
“The work funded through this project will focus on fabricating critical drone components, specifically flight controllers,” said David Espalin, Ph.D., Director of El Paso Makes. “It builds on the success of our initial phase, where we connected a local Tier 1 Department of Defense supplier with small and medium-sized manufacturers to create a digital cloud infrastructure for producing missile components. In this next phase, we’re expanding that network and developing a digital twin to simulate the full production process.”
Dr. Espalin said the effort represents a shift from early-stage prototyping to full-scale production. “It’s a significant step forward as we move this pilot into real-world manufacturing applications supporting military, emergency response, and mapping needs,” he said. “It also expands opportunities for El Paso manufacturers and supports the creation of high-quality, high-tech jobs in the region.”
Established in 2023 and managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), El Paso Makes connects manufacturers in El Paso and West Texas with suppliers, technical expertise, and research resources needed to compete in high-demand defense and aerospace markets.
According to Dr. Espalin, the award underscores the region’s growing role in advanced manufacturing. “Securing this funding is a major milestone for our manufacturing community,” he said. “It strengthens our ability to support national defense priorities while creating new opportunities for companies and workers across West Texas.”
The funding is part of a broader slate of community project investments announced by Escobar to support infrastructure, research, and economic development across Texas’s 16th Congressional District.
(Pictured from left, David Espalin, El Paso Makes; Congresswoman Veronica Escobar; Mireya Flores, Senior Project Engineer, El Paso Makes)
Comments Off on Lark Industries: Rapid Ascent in DoD and Aerospace Manufacturing
From El Paso to the Frontlines of Defense—Supporting DoD Missions and Made in America Goals
Lark Industries, based in El Paso, TX, is a rising force in the aerospace, defense, and medical device manufacturing sectors. In under a year, the company has transformed from a regional manufacturer into a competitive supplier to the U.S. government and its prime contractors. Their rapid success demonstrates the critical role that agile, quality-driven small businesses play in strengthening American manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
Winning Defense Contracts Fast—Proof of Aerospace and DoD Readiness Since beginning federal contract bidding in April, Lark Industries has secured multiple wins through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), including:
DLA Aviation / U.S. Air Force WR–ALC, Robins AFB, GA
DLA Aviation / Dept. of the Navy Naval Air Warfare Center
DLA Aviation / Lockheed Aircraft Corp., Marietta, GA
DLA Land and Maritime / Defense Industrial Supply Center
DLA Land and Maritime / U.S. Navy Ships Parts Control Center, Mechanicsburg, PA
Lark was awarded its first contracts within just two months of entering the federal space—a testament to their readiness, quality systems, and strategic preparation. Their success reinforces the importance of nimble domestic manufacturers in delivering mission-critical parts for defense applications.
Certifications That Opened Doors to Resilience and Growth Lark Industries holds the following certifications:
ISO 9001 – Quality Management
ISO 13485 – Medical Devices
AS9100 – Aerospace and Defense
CMMC Compliant – Cybersecurity
These certifications were obtained as a direct response to supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. ISO 13485 enabled Lark to pivot into the medical device sector, maintaining business continuity. AS9100 opened doors into aerospace and defense, providing access to secure and specialized contracts with the U.S. government and its contractors. Each credential has served not just as a quality benchmark, but as a strategic gateway into stable, resilient, and growing markets.
The complete process took approximately 2.5 months and was foundational to engaging with federal opportunities.
Building the Right Relationships for Long-Term Success Lark Industries recognizes the importance of collaboration for long-term growth and regional transformation. While no formal partnerships are yet in place, Lark is actively building relationships with key local stakeholders, including:
El Paso Makes
ARC Aerospace
Texas Workforce Solutions
EPISD Career and Technical Education (CTE)
UTEP
Rio Grande Council of Governments
Native Pathways (Ysleta del Sur Pueblo)
Local suppliers and workforce development programs
These partners represent a growing support network that will help expand manufacturing capacity, grow the talent pipeline, and strengthen the defense ecosystem in West Texas.
Creating Jobs in El Paso and Powering the Made in America Movement One of Lark’s core missions is to create high-paying, career-path jobs in advanced manufacturing for the El Paso region. Many UTEP graduates currently leave the area due to limited opportunities. Lark aims to reverse this trend by building a robust aerospace and defense footprint. The region’s proximity to Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range provides unique strategic advantages, making El Paso a critical node in the U.S. defense supply chain.
This local growth also contributes to national priorities: rebuilding U.S. industrial capacity, securing the defense supply chain, and advancing the “Made in America” initiative. Every contract Lark wins helps shift manufacturing and technical expertise back to American soil—and brings high-quality jobs back to the El Paso community.
Powered by El Paso Makes El Paso Makes has played a pivotal role in guiding Lark through the early stages of federal engagement. Their resources, coaching, and market intelligence have enabled faster scaling, better strategy, and stronger regional alignment. The organization serves as a cornerstone for regional innovation, ensuring that companies like Lark don’t have to navigate complex government pathways alone.
Conclusion: A Scalable Model for Defense Manufacturing Success
“We knew we had the talent and the quality systems—what we needed was a roadmap into the federal market. With the right support, we moved fast and proved we belong here. This is just the beginning of what El Paso manufacturers can do.” — Jesse Ornelas, CEO of Lark Industries
Lark Industries is a clear example of how small manufacturers can break into federal contracting and contribute to national resilience. Through rapid execution, strategic certification, and a commitment to regional growth, Lark is poised to help position El Paso as a national leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing—while strengthening America’s supply chains one contract at a time.
Comments Off on Dr. David Espalin Named New Director at El Paso Makes
Dr. Espalin brings expertise in AM research and development, automation solutions
EL PASO, TEXAS – The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and El Paso Makes are proud to welcome David Espalin, Ph.D., as the Director of El Paso Makes. He officially joined the team on September 4.
A subsidiary of NCDMM, El Paso Makes was established in 2023 and services El Paso and West Texas manufacturers with access to quality suppliers, industry resources, and research to meet the demands of aerospace and defense markets. Before joining NCDMM, Dr. Espalin dedicated 16 years to researching and developing additive manufacturing (AM) and automation solutions for application in health, aerospace, naval, defense, and energy.
Previously, Dr. Espalin was a tenured Associate Professor in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). He developed and taught courses focused on AM while maintaining a research portfolio funded in the amount of approximately $22M (over seven years). Through these research efforts, he collaborated with organizations such as the National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy (DOE), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Lockheed Martin Corporation, Honeywell, and Raytheon.
“I am excited to work with the highly motivated team at NCDMM and leverage my education and research background to strengthen and grow the El Paso region, its manufacturers, and suppliers to better enable their participation in defense manufacturing,” stated Dr. Espalin. “I consider it an honor to join this commitment to advancing the region’s aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing industrial base through education and workforce development, fostering business opportunities, and diversifying the nation’s defense industrial base.”
Dr. Espalin holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from UTEP. His graduate studies focused on the development of hardware and software for hybrid AM technologies that combined AM with machining, ultrasonic processing, microdispensing, and electronics integration. His research is well documented through numerous patents and in high-impact academic journals (e.g., The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology and The Additive Manufacturing Journal); and has inspired work in the burgeoning area of hybrid manufacturing.
While at UTEP, Dr. Espalin was the Director of Research for the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation – a state-of-the-art AM facility. He also held a Research Fellow appointment at the Applied Research Laboratories at The University of Texas at Austin (a Department of Defense University-Affiliated Research Center focusing on acoustics, electromagnetics, and information sciences) that fostered collaborative research in piezoceramic AM. Additionally, he served as Program Director of UTEP’s Graduate Certificate program in 3D Engineering and Additive Manufacturing focused on filling the industry’s need for a workforce with AM expertise.
“It is a privilege to have someone of David’s caliber and educational and research background join the NCDMM and El Paso Makes team,” said Randy Gilmore, El Paso Makes President and NCDMM VP and Chief Development Officer. “With his strong ties to the region and beyond, in addition to the many relationships he has established over the years with industry stakeholders, we are confident he will make a positive impact and expand upon the work currently underway.”
Comments Off on El Paso Makes Receives $1.1M for Manufacturing Research Project
EL PASO, TEXAS – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (16th District, Texas), announced on July 1 that her office secured $15.6M for Fiscal Year 2025 to be distributed regionally among 15 community projects, including El Paso Makes, a subsidiary of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM).
El Paso Makes has been awarded over $1.1 M in funding for its Manufacturing Research for All Domain Attritable Autonomous Systems (ADA2) project. The funding will be used to initiate a manufacturing research project with small and medium El Paso manufacturers to develop manufacturing models enabled by digital engineering and automation capabilities to support the U.S. goals to produce ADA2 to counter China’s military.
Established in 2023, El Paso Makes is a one-stop resource for manufacturers in El Paso, West Texas, and beyond, helping them access quality suppliers, industry resources, and research needed to ensure the demands of the aerospace and defense markets are met. El Paso Makes is committed to growing the region’s aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing industrial base through education and workforce development, fostering business opportunities, and diversifying the nation’s defense industrial base.
In a statement released by Congresswoman Escobar, she said it is a privilege to serve El Paso and ensure federal dollars are being invested in the community. “Each year through the appropriations process, my office requests funding for 15 community projects critical to the well-being of our community and region. I am proud to announce this year I was able to secure funding for all of our projects for a total of $15.6 million for El Paso. The projects selected will serve the borderland in a variety of ways, improving infrastructure, expanding educational opportunities, and investing in the incredible work already being done in our district.”
She noted the impact that community project funding has in El Paso can be felt in every corner, which is why she makes it a priority each year to advocate for the highest level of funding for projects that truly make a difference in the community.
The El Paso Makes ADA2 project accelerates additive manufacturing within the integrated digital environment as an enabling tool for rapid manufacturing systems and provides innovation, research, and development, as well as the production of low-cost autonomous systems and assemblies that support U.S. supply chains.
“We are excited that Congresswoman Escobar has secured Community Project Funding for El Paso Makes’ groundbreaking initiative, leveraging nearly $1.2 million in funding to revolutionize manufacturing for All Domain Attritable Autonomous Systems,” stated Randy Gilmore, President of El Paso Makes. “By partnering with local manufacturers and harnessing digital engineering and automation, we plan to build a resilient defense supply chain to counter global threats and strengthen our national security. This project will drive innovation, create jobs, and position El Paso as a leader in advanced manufacturing.”
According to information released by UTEP, the funds will support the Paso del Norte Innovation for Defense and Aerospace Engine (Paso del Norte Engine). The Paso del Norte Engine hopes to combine innovative concepts with the emerging field of digital engineering and others to help small and medium manufacturers compete in the aerospace and defense markets. This will include erecting public infrastructure, such as a product and process improvement facility, to reduce costs for startups and manufacturers while increasing access to cutting-edge design and testing tools.
The Paso del Norte Engine will initially receive up to $15 million for the next two years, with a potential NSF investment of $160 million for the team over the next 10 years.
According to Randy Gilmore, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at NCDMM and President at El Paso Makes, the two organizations are excited to be part of the Paso del Norte Engine which builds on a decade-long collaboration between UTEP and the County of El Paso, the City of El Paso, Workforce Solutions Borderplex, Rio Grande Council of Governments, El Paso Chamber, and the El Paso Community College (EPCC) and Spaceport America.
In 2023, NCDMM founded El Paso Makes, a subsidiary committed to growing the region’s aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing industrial base through education and workforce development, fostering business opportunities, and diversifying the nation’s defense industrial base. NCDMM provides Department of Defense (DoD) contracting assistance to El Paso suppliers, contract vehicles as necessary, and has invested in El Paso’s additive manufacturing capabilities through the America Makes Institute and DRIVE AM at UTEP’s Keck Center.
“The NSF funding opportunity aligns with NCDMM’s overall mission,” says Gilmore. “We have a long-standing relationship with UTEP, and as a nationally recognized industry leader in executing successful applied research and development projects to improve DoD weapon and support systems, NCDMM is honored to be part of the Paso del Norte team. We will work collectively with stakeholders and industry experts to propel the region forward, foster innovations, and expand our nation’s aerospace and defense sector talent stream.”
This announcement delivers on the bipartisan priorities outlined in the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022,” which authorized the NSF Engines program with a focus on market-driven research and development, innovation, translation, and workforce development. The Paso del Norte Engine will address 5 of 14 defense critical technologies identified by the DoD including advanced materials, trusted AI and autonomy, space technology, renewable energy generation and storage, and hypersonics by focusing on the broad dissemination of those innovations for use by small and medium manufacturers.
To learn more about this award, please view the media release issued by UTEP HERE.
EL PASO, TX – El Paso Makes has been awarded a $1,031,000 federal Community Project grant, one of just 12 selected from more than 60 applicants, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (16th District, Texas) announced March 12.