A German space company that develops tech for satellites and spacecraft is opening its first º£½ÇÊÓƵ office in Bristol, creating 50 specialist jobs.
The decision by Bremen-headquartered OHB to invest in the city is a "major win" for the region's aerospace and tech cluster, according to the government.
The business will be based at Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green and will be working on satellites and exploration spacecraft.
OHB chief executive Marco Fuchs said: “I am truly glad that we have finally established a presence in one of Europe's key space markets.
"The Bristol region, with its high-tech cluster, provides a great environment for OHB to develop innovative and competitive space products and systems from the º£½ÇÊÓƵ for the national and European markets."
Industry minister Sarah Jones, who will announce the news at Farnborough International Space Show later today (March 19), said the investment was a "vote of confidence" in the government's Industrial Strategy.
“The º£½ÇÊÓƵ is open for business, and today’s investment from OHB is a major win for Bristol’s world-leading aerospace and tech industry which will create high-skilled local jobs and ensure the º£½ÇÊÓƵ remains a partner of choice for space agencies around the world," she said.
The multi-million-pound investment deal was secured by the Department for Business and Trade working together with the Space West cluster, Invest Bristol & Bath and the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Space Agency.
The British space sector is a top priority in the government’s Industrial Strategy, which has identified advanced manufacturing and digital and technologies as key growth-driving sectors.
West of England Mayor Dan Norris added: “Today’s announcement means more high skilled jobs for local people – and that’s fantastic news. OHB SE setting up shop in the West of England is a big win for our region and a real rocket boost for our space industry.
“I’m really proud that they’ve chosen the Bristol & Bath Science Park as their º£½ÇÊÓƵ base. We’re proving once again that this is the place to be for world-class innovation, job creation and serious economic growth."
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