A new factory making parts for drones has opened in Swindon.
The precision engineering site on Paddington Drive was set up in 87 days and is already shipping parts for the aerospace, defence and robotics sectors. It is part of a network run by Isembard, a London-based manufacturer founded in 2024.
Jonathon Griffiths, a former Army officer who also led Amazon's operations in Swindon, owns and runs the site as a franchise. Isembard supplies orders, software, training and quality accreditation to its franchisees. Its computer-controlled cutting machines can make components accurate to within a tenth of the thickness of a sheet of paper.
The 5,050 sq ft site was secured with help from Swindon North MP Will Stone, who chairs the Cross-Party Group to Strengthen the UK Defence Supply Chain. Swindon was chosen for its manufacturing heritage and growing reputation as a defence technology hub.
It is the latest of 17 Isembard sites across the UK, Europe and the US. The company aims to reach 100 UK factories by the end of 2028, creating 2,200 high-skilled jobs.
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Source: Swindon Advertiser.