Prime Minister Theresa May was in Reading last month to officially open the new headquarters of aerospace and defence specialist Thales UK.
The move to Green Park will see up to 500 jobs created in Reading, including 300 specialist engineering roles; there will also be the capacity to accommodate a further 100 jobs as Thales grows in the region.
Employment Minister and Reading West MP Alok Sharma, said: “I am delighted that Thales, a major contributor to the UK economy, has chosen to base its UK headquarters locally, once again demonstrating that the Reading area is an economic powerhouse in the country (
www.thalesgroup.com).
“Thales is also a major exporter from the UK, demonstrating the strength of the UK manufacturing sector.”
The new headquarters cost the company £23 million and will also serve as a “base for innovation” in radio communications, cyber security and high-tech research.
Mrs May said: “I really enjoyed meeting some of the staff who are going to work at the site, including several apprentices who are beginning a career in engineering.
“2018 is the Year of Engineering and it’s so important we encourage our young people to take up careers in this vitally important area.”
Thales has annual revenues of more than £13 billion, of which £1.3 billion comes from the UK business.
It also has more than 6,500 employees in the UK.