Wilder Industries Appoints Aerospace Manufacturing Veteran Ben Hempstead to Advisory Board
Former Electroimpact engineering leader brings over three decades of aerospace manufacturing, automation and technical expertise as Wilder Industries expands its capabilities for next-generation aerospace and defense programs.
[CHARLOTTE, NC] — [AUGUST 25, 2026] — Wilder Industries today announced the appointment of Ben Hempstead, PE, to its Advisory Board, adding over three decades of commercial aerospace manufacturing and engineering experience to the company’s growing group of industry advisors.
Hempstead spent 28 years at Electroimpact, where his roles included Lead Mechanical Engineer and Chief of Staff. He also served as Director of Technical Services and Prototyping at Teague. A licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states, Hempstead brings extensive experience at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing and aerospace production.
His appointment comes as Wilder Industries continues to expand its role as an automated manufacturing partner for companies developing drones, autonomous systems, eVTOL aircraft and other next-generation aerospace and defense platforms.
“Ben understands what it takes to turn an ambitious aerospace design into something that can actually be manufactured efficiently, repeatedly and at scale,” said Will Wilder, Founder and CEO of Wilder Industries. “That experience is incredibly valuable as we work with customers earlier in the development process and help them bridge the gap between engineering and production.”
Engineering for Production From the Start
As aerospace and defense companies face growing pressure to move new platforms from development into production faster, manufacturing considerations are increasingly becoming part of the engineering conversation from the beginning.
That philosophy is central to Wilder Industries’ approach.
Through Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA), Wilder works alongside customers to identify opportunities to simplify production, improve repeatability and prepare products for scalable manufacturing before designs are finalized.
Hempstead’s background in aerospace engineering, automation and prototyping will provide additional perspective as Wilder continues developing this integrated approach.
“Advanced aerospace programs require more than manufacturing capacity,” Wilder said. “They require a deep understanding of how design decisions affect tooling, machining, assembly, automation, quality and ultimately production rate. Ben has spent his career working at that intersection.”
Supporting the Next Generation of Aerospace Manufacturing
Wilder Industries is building an integrated manufacturing platform designed to support emerging aerospace and defense companies from product development through scalable production.
The company’s capabilities include:
- Drone and autonomous systems manufacturing
- Airframe structures manufacturing
- Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
- Design for Automation (DFA)
- Hard metal machining
- Precision sheet metal fabrication
- CNC machining
- Robotic assembly
By bringing these capabilities together, Wilder aims to reduce the complexity associated with coordinating multiple manufacturing suppliers while helping customers design products that can transition efficiently from prototype to repeatable production.
Hempstead’s appointment further strengthens the technical and manufacturing expertise supporting that mission.
“The aerospace industry is entering a period where speed, scalability and automation are becoming increasingly important,” said Hempstead. “Wilder is building a manufacturing model around those realities. I’m excited to contribute my experience and help the team support companies bringing the next generation of aerospace systems into production.”
Hempstead joins Wilder Industries’ Advisory Board as the company continues expanding its leadership, manufacturing capabilities and partnerships across the aerospace and defense industries.
About Wilder Industries
Wilder Industries is an advanced manufacturing company supporting the next generation of aerospace and defense companies. The company provides integrated manufacturing solutions spanning Design for Manufacturing, Design for Automation, precision sheet metal fabrication, hard metal and CNC machining, and robotic assembly.
Wilder Industries works with companies developing drones, autonomous systems, eVTOL aircraft, airframe structures and other advanced platforms, helping customers transition efficiently from product development to scalable production.
Media Contact
Ron Castro
Director Sales & Business Development | Wilder Systems Inc
Mobile: 206-953-9887 Dallas TX.