Selex Galileo

SELEX Galileo - a world leader in integrated sensor solutions

SELEX Galileo, with UK headquarters at Basildon in Essex, is a world leader in surveillance, protection, tracking, targeting, navigation, and control and imaging systems. It provides integrated sensor solutions and throughlife capability management for defence systems and homeland security applications for customers in the UK, Europe and US civil avionics and defence markets. SELEX Galileo, which had global revenues of 1,755 million Euros in 2007, is part of the Finmeccanica defence electronics group and employs more than 7000 people in the UK, Italy and the United States.

The company's site at Basildon is the headquarters for SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems UK. Here, more than 1000 people are involved in the design and development of missile seekers, cooled and uncooled thermal imaging systems, radiofrequency (RF) equipment, civil communications equipment, stabilised platforms and optical assemblies for defence and homeland security platforms.

A high-technology business like this depends on access to a highly-skilled workforce. As Donna McGrory, Head of Media Relations, explains,

"Our Basildon site has manufactured state-of-the-art military guidance systems and civil aeronautics for world markets for over 50 years. We benefit from the wealth of knowledge that exists in a company with such a strong heritage in the local area."

The company is therefore able to recruit most of its staff locally and recognises the value of the apprenticeship schemes operating in the area. It also needs to attract high-calibre graduates and finds that the quality of life in Essex proves a useful factor. Many graduate recruits make their homes in Essex - they enjoy the quieter, rural life but like to have London so close.

As a global business, SELEX Galileo benefits from Basildon's strategic location and excellent national and international transport links. Donna McGrory comments,

"The business and transport links offered by offices in close proximity to London, the South East of England and Europe are very valuable, particularly as we have a world-wide business presence.  London Stansted Airport is very convenient for staff who are travelling between company sites in Europe or visiting customers," she explains. "Access to the Essex ports is an important part of the logistics chain in distributing our products to global customers."

The Basildon site is just a short drive from Tilbury Docks and the new London Gateway container port, a £1.5 billion investment at a former oil refinery, which is set to become one of the UK's most important hubs, enhancing the economic competitiveness of Essex businesses even further.

SELEX Galileo has a long proud history in Essex and is using that strength to maintain its position in fiercely-competitive global markets.