Global space technology company set to double its UK-based workforce and operations
LONDON, Nov. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — 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.”
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.
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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MEDIA CONTACTS: Amy MacLeod, Vice President, Corporate Communications, 613-796-6937, amy.macleod@mda.space; INVESTOR CONTACT: Shereen Zahawi, Senior Director, Investor Relations, 647-401-3230, shereen.zahawi@mda.space
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