A Northumberland drone capture tech company is set to create 20 new jobs as part of plans to ramp up investment in its products and plant.
Prudhoe-based OpenWorks Engineering was established 10 years ago by five engineers who combined their expertise from other businesses to create the firm’s original product - the SkyWall, a piece of kit which captures rogue drones. The company has seen rapid expansion since then, driven by increasing global demand for technology to counter Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS), otherwise known as drones.
OpenWorks’ drone catching systems have been used all over the world, by government authorities, militaries and private security organisations to protect the likes of airports, major infrastructure, the Pentagon and even world leaders at summits, including two US presidents.
The firm has already grown its workforce from 36 to 54 this year, across departments including software development, mechanical and electrical engineering, people and talent, health and safety, integrated logistics support and marketing. Now it is planning to take on another 20 people this year, including two apprentices.
The job creation has outstripped commitments made as part of grant support that has partially funded a doubling of production space at the OpenWorks site in Prudhoe. The company is currently in discussions to take on further office and production space in anticipation of further growth.
OpenWorks said the firm is investing over £2m a year into research and development, to accelerate its strengths, after noting how the growth of malicious and nuisance drone use has gained attention around the world.
The company said the use of drones is of growing interest to NATO forces, especially those deployed in Ukraine, triggering potential for growth in the business as authorities and organisations look for solutions to counter UAS.
Defence officials in the US have proposed $800m of funding for technologies that can counter the growing threat, whilst the Ƶ Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Defence Review also recognises the challenges associated with the use of drones in conflict environments.
CEO Chris Down said: “The huge demand for OpenWorks’ products not only reflects growing concern among defence and security forces, but it is also testament to the skill and commitment of our team who have earned a world-class reputation. We’re working hard to anticipate the future requirements of our end-users, we’re driving the next generation of intelligent solutions for Counter-UAS and Air Defence application, and we’re investing in the structure that will support that growth”.
