High-tech American engineering firm expands in Wales

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) opens ‘Mission Systems Centre of Excellence’ at aircraft hangar at Bro Tathan in the Vale of Glamorgan. 

Welsh Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has officially opened the new engineering HQ for SNC, a leading company working in advanced engineering technologies in space systems, commercial solutions and national security. The new centre of excellence will see the creation of 75 new jobs and support a further 200 roles indirectly.

Vaughan Gething (centre) at the opening of SNC Mission Systems UK, photo courtesy of Welsh Government 

The company has taken on a long-term lease of the hangar, with significant investment to upgrade its infrastructure. 

Some 46 people are already employed at the site. The company also partners with local universities to support academic research in the most current technological fields.  

The Welsh government supported the company’s move to establish a significant presence in Wales. Vaughan Gething, Economy Minister, says: ‘The Welsh Government is working to develop the industries of the future here in Wales, which will create good, well-paid new jobs for people across the country.  

‘I’m delighted the Welsh Government has been able to attract one of the USA’s fastest growing companies to Wales. As a blue-chip company in future technology, Sierra Nevada Mission Systems UK will create new high-tech, well-paid jobs at Bro Tathan, which will be a major boost to the local economy in the Vale of Glamorgan. I’m particularly pleased the company have committed to employing service veterans, which allows them to utilise their considerable knowledge, skills and networks.’ 

Hywel Baker, Managing Director of SNC Mission Systems UK adds: ‘We are excited to offer our customers increased performance and access to previously unavailable capabilities with our new Centre of Excellence. 

‘SNC MS UK is dedicated to shaping the sector’s future and driving its growth. We are committed to creating highly skilled jobs and providing employees with training and leadership through a parent organisation with a proven heritage and continued success in this industry. 

‘We are thrilled to invest in this site and to regenerate existing infrastructure to create a modern and fully capable environment that delivers best-of-breed technology. 

‘In addition to bringing state-of-the-art capabilities, this renovation enables the revitalisation of the St Athan area to attract other businesses that will multiply economic impact and indirect job creation, encourage continued innovation and help deepen the skills base of our local population.’

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