£84m public sector investment for Prestwick jobs

Scottish Enterprise CEO Adrian Gillespie

Arizona-based Mangata Networks, a satellite-enabled cloud services company, announced it has chosen Scotland as the location for its research and development activities as well as satellite manufacturing, space systems and core network operations.

The company said that up to 575 new jobs will be created over the coming few years as part of Mangata’s engineering and operations hub for satellite manufacturing and operations at the Prestwick International Aerospace Park in Ayrshire.

The hub will be supported by a funding and assistance package from public sector partners, totalling over £83.7 million from Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government, UK Government and South Ayrshire Council.

This funding comprises £54.5 million from Scottish Enterprise and £29.2 million from the Ayrshire Growth Deal provided on commercial terms — not grant funding — that will see this funding repaid over the next 15 years.

Deputy First Minister of Scotland John Swinney said: “The fact that Mangata has chosen to base its new satellite manufacturing facility in Ayrshire is a huge boost for the region, for the space and manufacturing sectors, and for Scotland as a whole.

“As well as the substantial, high-skilled job opportunities, this will open up new pathways for the satellite manufacturing supply chain and help position Scotland as a leading centre for space and manufacturing innovation – while supporting the aims of our space strategy.”

Mangata Networks CEO Brian Holz said: “Scotland, Ayrshire, the local regions, and the UK have expressed a lot of confidence in our system and mission. We are very grateful to be able to locate Mangata’s core product development, satellite manufacturing, and network operations teams in a state-of-the-art facility in Prestwick.

“We will be using this facility to bring our satellite connectivity and intelligent Edge compute solutions to enterprises globally.

“Today, our customer base has already committed to over 1.5 Tbps pre-launch, nearing full capacity of our initial 32 satellites. As the business grows, Mangata’s network can scale to over 750 satellites.

“This factory will be a key enabler, allowing us to scale and deliver cost-effective space technology into markets that really need it.”

Scottish Enterprise CEO Adrian Gillespie said: “This investment has the potential to be a real game-changer in helping unlock economic opportunities from the global commercial space sector.

“Mangata’s decision to locate this project in Ayrshire is a strong endorsement of our ability to support and nurture global industries of the future.

“Not only will it bring hundreds of new quality jobs for the people of Scotland, but it will be a catalyst for a new supply chain, opening up opportunities and partnerships both domestically and internationally.

“We look forward to working closely with Mangata to bring its state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility to fruition at Prestwick International Aerospace Park.”

Juliette Neu, Chief Experience Officer at Mangata Networks, said: “All the Scottish organisations involved have been incredibly supportive of our efforts to bridge the gap in global connectivity and access.

“Mangata is passionate about connecting humanity all around the world, using the systems we will develop in Scotland.

“We saw this same spirit to serve in the local and global community in our interactions in Scotland. They are so committed to helping each other. That drive is at the core of our shared values and mission.”