Defence technology leader Raytheon expands in West London

Aug 21, 2007

Defence technology leader Raytheon expands with new Systems Integration Centre in West London’s Uxbridge

In a major expansion of its UK business, Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL), the UK subsidiary of Raytheon Company, has today opened its new Systems Integration Centre at Uxbridge in the west of London, a new facility that will also serve as the new, expanded site of the company’s London office, previously located in Park Lane.

Sir Robert Hayman-Joyce, Chairman of RSL, said, “As we expand into new areas of business such as national security and defence training, we need a London base from which to work and our Systems Integration Centre at Uxbridge will provide both the space and the attractive work environment we need. It makes good sense to move our London office there at the same time. It gives us scope to expand our team. This investment underlines Raytheon’s commitment to the UK: from this new base we will be able to develop our strong links with the MOD and grow our relationships with our new customer community within the Home Office and security services.”

A Tier One supplier to the Ministry of Defence and a prime contractor for a number of major MoD programmes, Raytheon now employs more than 1,300 people in the UK. The 14,000 sq ft West London location offers a host of benefits and in addition to providing accommodation for a larger number of people in a modern facility, it is conveniently located close to London Heathrow Airport, the M25, M4 and M40 motorways, and is adjacent to Uxbridge Underground station.

Brian McKeon, RSL’s Managing Director and President, said, “This move is a benchmark for Raytheon’s UK business, enabling us to bring together our core bid activities in areas such as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Command and Control, precision systems and national security. It is also a milestone in the company’s long U.K. heritage which we are celebrating now as we enter the 100th year since the U.K. business was founded.”

Frank Wingate, Chief Executive of WLB, welcomed RSL’s decision to move to Uxbridge. He said: “ West London has a thriving business community with strong global connections. Raytheon’s commitment to the area once again proves that West London is the location of choice for some of the world’s largest multi-national companies.”

The move of the key RSL office, supported by West London Business (WLB), the West London Chamber of Commerce, and Think London, the foreign direct investment agency of the capital, will enable the Company to increase its London staff from a team of around 100 to a potential of some 400 employees.

Michael Charlton, Chief Executive of Think London, said: “Expanding within London makes great business sense for Raytheon. Sharing a fifth of the UK technology market, London has the largest cluster of IT software and services companies in Europe. Expanding in London will also ensure Raytheon can tap into a local pool of more than 500,000 experienced IT professionals and technology graduates.”

West London Business and Think London assisted Raytheon in its move, introducing the company to local universities, advising and assisting it in its recruitment efforts, and providing detailed information on the demographics and infrastructure of Uxbridge.

Raytheon Systems Limited is the U.K.-based subsidiary of Raytheon Company. It is a prime contractor and major supplier to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and has developed strong capabilities in mission systems integration in defence, national security and commercial markets. RSL designs, develops and manufactures a range of high technology electronic systems and software at its facilities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $20.3 billion, is a technology leader specialising in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a U.S. history of innovation spanning 85 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.