A major new drone manufacturing facility in Swindon is expected to begin production within months after the town’s new council leader was given a behind-the-scenes look at the site.
Gary Sumner visited the new facility being developed by TEKEVER at the Spectrum building in West Swindon, where work is progressing ahead of the site’s full commissioning in August.
The pan-European technology company plans to begin operations from September, with the site set to become its main manufacturing facility in Europe.
During the visit, Cllr Sumner met with Scott McClelland to discuss the company’s plans for growth, including job creation and partnerships with New College Swindon to develop training pathways and work placement opportunities for local students.
TEKEVER specialises in unmanned aircraft systems and advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, and is investing heavily in expanding its UK manufacturing capability. Company representatives said the Swindon facility would serve as a model for future factories around the world.
The investment is another boost for Swindon’s growing reputation as a centre for drone and defence technology.
In recent years, the town has attracted a number of companies operating within the unmanned aircraft sector, including Flyby Technology, Munin Dynamics and STARK, creating what industry leaders describe as an emerging cluster of specialist businesses.
Once fully operational, the TEKEVER site is expected to support significant numbers of highly skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs.
The development follows other recent investment successes for the town. Earlier this year, advanced composites company iCOMAT announced plans to establish operations in Swindon, creating 75 new jobs. The company develops lightweight composite materials and components that could support manufacturers operating within the defence and aerospace sectors.
Swindon Borough Council’s inward investment team has been working alongside Will Stone to attract companies involved in drone technology and advanced manufacturing to the area.
Speaking after the visit, Cllr Sumner said the scale of TEKEVER’s plans demonstrated the confidence major employers have in Swindon.
He said: “It was fantastic to visit the TEKEVER site and see the scale of ambition behind their investment in Swindon.
“Our town is quickly establishing itself as one of the UK’s leading centres for Unmanned Aircraft Systems manufacturing, attracting world-class companies and creating highly skilled jobs for local people.”
He added that the investment would strengthen the local economy while helping position Swindon as an important location within the UK’s defence and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Mr McClelland said Swindon was becoming an increasingly important part of the company’s future plans.
He said: “Our investment in Swindon reflects the strength of the local economy, the depth of the region’s engineering and manufacturing capability, and the opportunity to support the UK’s growing defence and uncrewed systems sector.”
With production expected to begin in September, the facility represents another significant milestone in Swindon’s ambitions to become a leading centre for innovation, engineering and advanced manufacturing.
