New Space Propulsion Firm Opens In Belfast

First Minister Peter Robinson has officially opened European Space Propulsion Ltd's (ESP) offices in Belfast.

The move will create eight new senior positions as well as sustain a further 40 posts at the Thales UK facility in Castlereagh.

The newly established company, which is owned by US firm Aerojet Rocketdyne, has entered a partnership with Thales UK and aims to provide a range of products and services to the European Space Industry.

Eight highly paid sales and engineering executive positions will be created at ESP over the next two years, contributing almost £1m in salaries to the Northern Ireland economy.

Invest NI has offered ESP £48,000 of support towards its recruitment drive.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Robinson said: "Following a series of meetings and visits with Invest Northern Ireland and Thales during 2012 and 2013, Aerojet Rocketdnye created a UK company, European Space Propulsion Ltd (ESP) and decided to base its European Sales and Engineering Headquarters in Belfast.

"The aerospace, space, defence and security sectors are high value industries in our economy and this strategic venture between Thales and US company, Aerojet Rocketdyne reflects a confidence in the manufacturing capabilities of Thales staff in Northern Ireland. The investment is good news for Northern Ireland and will create new jobs with average salaries that are more than double the private sector average."

Under contract with ESP, Thales will use its core skills and competencies to manufacture space propulsion thrusters and associated services to the European space industry, safeguarding up to 40 jobs at the company in the short term with the prospect of more in the future.

(JP/CD)