iCOMAT Opens Cutting-Edge Space Manufacturing Facility in Gloucestershire

Invest in Gloucestershire is proud to celebrate the official opening of iCOMAT’s new state-of-the-art space manufacturing facility in Hardwicke, Gloucester, a major milestone for the UK’s space sector and a significant boost for Gloucestershire’s innovation economy

Backed by a £4.8 million investment from the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF), the new facility is set to revolutionise the production of lightweight composite structures for space applications. The site will support the creation of up to 100 new jobs locally, with long-term potential to contribute to 2,000 jobs nationally, reinforcing Gloucestershire’s position as a key player in the UK’s growing space ecosystem.

Invest in Gloucestershire has worked closely with iCOMAT throughout their journey to establish operations in the county, providing support on location, infrastructure, skills and talent and we’re delighted to see their vision come to life in the region.

The launch event welcomed representatives from the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, and leading space sector organisations including Orbex, Airbus Defence & Space, and Thales Alenia Space. Attendees were given guided tours of the fully automated factory floor and live demonstrations of iCOMAT’s Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) technology, a patented innovation that enables the production of ultra-lightweight, high-performance components for spacecraft and satellites.

This facility is not only a leap forward in space manufacturing, but also a beacon of industrial capability for adjacent sectors such as aerospace and automotive. With two specialised production lines, one for flat and complex-shaped components, and another for geometrically advanced structures, iCOMAT’s technology offers versatility and scalability for future missions and commercial applications.

Dr Evangelos Zympeloudis, CEO and Founder of iCOMAT, shared his excitement about the facility’s potential to strengthen the UK’s competitive edge in space innovation, while building a domestic supply chain that supports sustainability and efficiency.

As Gloucestershire continues to attract high-growth, high-tech investment, the opening of iCOMAT’s facility is a clear signal of the region’s readiness to lead in advanced manufacturing and space innovation.

We look forward to supporting iCOMAT’s growth and the wider development of the UK space sector from right here in Gloucestershire.