The South West of England’s space sector is set for a major boost, with German company OHB investing millions to establish a new UK base in Bristol. The move will create up to 50 specialist jobs focused on satellites and spacecraft. The announcement was made by Industry Minister Sarah Jones at the Farnborough International Space Show last month.
OHB’s initial investment will lead to the creation of a new subsidiary at the Bristol and Bath Science Park. The facility will focus on advanced technologies for satellites and spacecraft. The deal was facilitated by the Department for Business and Trade, in collaboration with Space West, Invest Bristol and Bath, and the UK Space Agency.
Minister Sarah Jones emphasized the significance of the investment, stating, “The UK is open for business, and this is a big win for Bristol’s aerospace and tech industry. It will create high-skilled local jobs, strengthen the UK’s position as a partner of choice for space agencies globally, and help our space sector stay at the forefront of innovation.”
She also highlighted the importance of the space sector to the UK economy, noting that it generates £18.9 billion annually and supports over 50,000 jobs. According to management consultancy McKinsey, the global space market is expected to exceed £1 trillion by 2035.
Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB, expressed his excitement about the new venture, saying, “We’re delighted to establish a presence in one of Europe’s leading space markets. The Bristol region’s high-tech environment is ideal for OHB to develop innovative space products for both the UK and European markets.”
Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England, also welcomed the announcement, calling it a “major win” for the region. He added, “This investment will bring more high-skilled jobs to local people. OHB’s decision to set up in Bristol’s Science Park is a strong boost for our space industry and further proves that our region is a hub for innovation and economic growth.”
