Global space technology company set to double
its UK-based workforce and operations
LONDON, Nov. 21,
2023 /CNW/ - MDA Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a leading provider
of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global
space industry, has revealed plans to more than double its UK
workforce and operational footprint over the next 12 months.
Announced in conjunction with the UK Space Conference 2023 taking
place this week in Belfast, MDA
confirmed plans to expand its talent base and operational capacity
across the UK as the global space economy continues to grow.
As part of its UK expansion, MDA has announced plans to hire 75
new employees in the UK by the end of 2024, doubling its current UK
workforce of 75 existing staff. The company is now actively
recruiting for entry level to senior positions in critical
engineering disciplines including systems, payload, antenna,
software, electronics and assembly, integration and test.
"The UK has a vibrant space industry with the highly skilled
technology talent we need to scale our global business, and we are
accelerating our in-country investment as the global market for
space-based technology continues to grow," said Anita Bernie, Managing Director of MDA UK. "The recent addition of the highly
skilled digital payload team who just joined us from SatixFy
enabled us to quickly double our footprint. With our intention to
double again, we need more of that kind of expertise."
In addition, MDA is expanding its operational footprint across
the UK, including:
- The lease of a new facility in Stevenage with capacity for up to 100 digital
satellite payload specialists;
- The integration and expansion of an existing facility in
Manchester that will house up to
40 digital satellite communications staff; and
- The expansion of its existing facility in Didcot, with the
lease of additional space on the Harwell Campus to accommodate
engineering staff working on a range of exploration and in-orbit
servicing missions.
"MDA UK's expansion is fantastic
news and will support a number of key priorities for the UK Space
Agency as we seize the significant opportunities associated with
the Low Earth Orbit economy and maintain a leading role in the
development of advanced satellite technologies," said Dr.
Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK
Space Agency. "This is a great example of what it means to make the
UK one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the
world – catalysing private investment and creating the jobs of
tomorrow."
Today's announcement represents MDA's second major investment in
the UK this year. In October, MDA completed the acquisition of the
UK-based digital payload division of SatixFy Communications Ltd.,
accelerating MDA's market expansion in the UK and adding strategic
in-country capability to produce satellite payloads.
"Transforming communications infrastructure is vital to closing
connectivity gaps across the UK and around the world so that people
can work and learn online wherever they live. This is why we are
supporting the UK's pioneering space sector with a £160 million
investment scheme – Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit – to drive the
development of next-generation satellite communications here in the
UK," said UK Minister of State for the Department of Science,
Innovation and Technology, Andrew Griffith MP. "MDA's decision to
expand its current operational footprint in the UK and double its
UK workforce is truly welcome news. This is further proof that this
government is providing the right support for space researchers and
businesses, as we press on in our mission to build one of the most
innovative and attractive space economies in the world."
The SatixFy acquisition, which marks a significant investment by
MDA in the UK market, also supports the UK government's objective
to maintain its leadership in the growing global satellite
communications market.
"When it comes to global expansion and investment, we are
looking for much more than a market for our technology. We are
looking for countries with space ambitions, space budgets and a
space ecosystem including critical talent that can help fuel our
growth," said Mike Greenley, CEO of
MDA. "With innovative programs like the C-LEO program specifically
focused on developing satellite communications payloads and
systems, the UK Space Agency is taking the type of holistic and
highly strategic approach to industrial development and investment
that we look for."
ABOUT MDA
Serving the world from its Canadian home and global offices, MDA
(TSX:MDA) is an international space mission partner and a robotics,
satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 50-year story
of firsts on and above the Earth. With over 2,900 employees across
Canada, the US and the UK, MDA is
leading the charge towards viable Moon colonies, enhanced Earth
observation, communication in a hyper-connected world, and more.
With a track record of making space ambitions come true, MDA
enables highly skilled people to continually push boundaries,
tackle big challenges, and imagine solutions that inspire and
endure to change the world for the better, on the ground and in the
stars. Learn more by visiting mda.space.
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward–looking information within
the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects
the Company's current expectations regarding future events.
Forward–looking information is based on a number of assumptions and
is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which
are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results
and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or
implied by such forward–looking information. Such risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors
discussed under "Risk Factors" in MDA's Annual Information Form
available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. MDA does not
undertake any obligation to update such forward–looking
information, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.
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SOURCE MDA Ltd.