Rocket fuel startup is expanding in West Lafayette

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — A West Lafayette-based company that has developed a high-performance rocket fuel has announced plans to construct a new 5,500-square-foot manufacturing facility at Purdue Research Park.

Adranos says it plans to create up to 50 new jobs by the end of 2025, including engineers and technicians.

The Purdue-affiliated startup has received more than $5 million in land, funding, and tax credits, collectively from Purdue Research Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to support the construction of the facility.

Adranos has developed solid rocket fuel, ALITEC, for long-range missile and space launch systems.

“ALITEC’s performance benefits make it an ideal solution for any solid rocket system that is seeking to extend range, increase payload capacity, or reduce rocket form factor,” said Chris Stoker, chief executive officer of Adranos. “This facility will enable us to scale these solutions to the large volumes that will be required by our customers.”

Stoker says the facility will also support ongoing efforts of Adranos’ rocket motor research and development division.

The IEDC offered Adranos up to $1.2 million in a variety of conditional tax credits and training grants based on the company’s job creation plans.

“Indiana is committed to embracing disruptive technology like Adranos’ ALITEC to bolster its economic industries and position the state for long-term global competitiveness and economic growth in the defense sector,” said Retired Major General Clif Tooley, IEDC president of defense development.

Adranos has enjoyed significant momentum over the past 12 months, having been awarded more than $3 million in government contracts. Last fall, the company was named to Pepperdine University’s Most Fundable Companies list.