Economic development agency chief visits ambitious defence company

Already a key player in the highly competitive defence market, the company is investing significant financial and people resources on the new project to develop products for the multi-billion emerging civil homeland security market. 

SELEX Galileo is one of Europe’s leading sensors solutions companies and the UK’s foremost supplier of electronic systems for military platforms in the air, at sea and on land.  Recognising the shift in world threats, the Company has, over the last couple of years been applying expertise to new sensor technologies for the emerging security and resilience markets.

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise said: “SELEX Galileo is an excellent example of a globally competitive and innovative company in an increasingly important sector in Scotland. 

“Their leadership team has demonstrated real ambition, vision and a willingness to constantly lead their organisation to reach its full potential, in this case through accessing new markets.

“They have recognised Scotland’s reputation as a growing centre of excellence for the development of new ideas and technology and this project is an excellent illustration of how our R&D programme is helping to have a direct impact on Scotland’s economy.”

Lena shall meet Norman Bone, UK chief business officer & group operations director of SELEX Galileo, plus Alastair Morrison, senior vice president of the Radar & Advanced Targeting, and head of their business in Edinburgh.  Alastair said: “We are delighted to welcome Lena to our facility here in Edinburgh and have the opportunity of introducing her to the team.  The support we’ve received from both Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International over the years has been invaluable and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them to develop new opportunities in the future.”

Scottish Enterprise has worked with SELEX Galileo since 2003 on a range of support.  The company currently employs over 1,900 people at their Edinburgh facility, 60 per cent of which are graduates.  They also maintain subcontract orders on Scottish suppliers of around £35M.  Their new investment is anticipated to create nearly 90 high value R&D jobs and create or safeguard around 240 jobs during the production phase both in-house and in the Scottish supply chain.