The Lothal Imperial Factory was a byproduct of the Empire's increased presence on the Outer Rim world. The operation utilized citizens as laborers and drew the attention of Grand Admiral Thrawn following reports of poor engineering. It was here that the rebels Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger stole the Empire's plans for a new model TIE fighter -- the TIE defender -- equipped with shields, thanks to the informant, Agent Kallus.