Thales plans to establish a new world class centre for excellence for digital and cyber security at The Works in Ebbw Vale, which would be a test bed for cyber security innovations.
Thales will be working with Blaenau Gwent CBC, Welsh Government and the University of South Wales to establish a centre which would act as a catalyst for digital and cyber educational training and research facilities.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said,
“The centre, which would be located in Ebbw Vale, could help Wales exploit the global opportunities of digital transformation and equip our businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to win a greater share of large regional and national projects.”
Based in the heart of the Welsh Government’s Tech Valley project, the Thales centre would focus on systems to protect the security of power stations and rail, water, telecoms and air traffic control. Construction work is scheduled to start in the spring, with the centre becoming fully operational by 2021.
Leader of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Nigel Daniels said,
“We have worked hard to attract business investment in Blaenau Gwent and I am very pleased to welcome Thales, a global organisation, to Ebbw Vale. I am certain they will provide a base for ground-breaking research and confident that they will generate employment in high-value business. Thales will position us at the centre of digital and cyber technology research and also play a key role in the areas regeneration”.
Cllr David Davies Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said,
“I am delighted that Thales, a major technology company, is setting up a research and development centre in Ebbw Vale. The combination of research, graduate education and technology will ensure that our economic regeneration develops at the highest level. This will not only be good for the Welsh economy and local communities but also put Blaenau Gwent on the map as a centre of excellence for cyber innovation”.
Gareth Williams, Vice President, Secure Communications and Information Systems, Thales, said:
“We are very pleased to be working with the Welsh Government, University of South Wales and Blaenau Gwent Council to develop and deliver the NDEC. This will act as a cornerstone of our cyber security capabilities in the UK, providing a test bed for our technology, whilst also providing a catalyst for regeneration in the region.
This highly technical and accessible facility will be a centre of cyber and digital development and education, and a connection for South Wales to major technology centres across the United Kingdom”.