Thales Alenia Space Belgium announced that it will build a new plant in Leuven, which will start operations in the first half of 2014. This strategic new facility reflects Thales Alenia Space's growing role in Belgium, a country that is fully committed to the programs developed by the European Space Agency (ESA).

The new facility will initially have a team of about 20 engineers, tasked with developing new avionics products and technologies for satellites and launch vehicles. The facility will work closely with the company's microelectronics center of expertise in Leuven, as well as with Thales Alenia Space's Charleroi plant.

According to Emmanuel Terrasse, vice president for R&D and Business Development, "By setting up this new operation in Leuven, Thales Alenia Space Belgium will strengthen its leadership in the Belgian space industry. In particular, this new facility will offer design services focused on Europe's new launchers. Our aim is to develop innovative solutions that will enable us to carve out a position as the primary supplier for avionics and other electronics equipment on Ariane 6."