Windracers, the British civil and defence drone manufacturer, officially opened its Hampshire factory yesterday following a major refurbishment and expansion.

Windracers designs, builds and operates Windracers ULTRA, the world's most accomplished dual-use heavy-lift drone, and has opened its new 22,000 sq m (237,000 sq ft) factory in Hamble Valley in Fareham, Hampshire.

The expansion has created more than 50 skilled jobs with further opportunities becoming available later this year.

To date, Windracers has delivered several dozen aircraft to civil and defence customers. The expansion will enable the company to more than double that by year-end and to deliver hundreds of Windracers ULTRA aircraft over the next two years.

Simon Muderack, Chief Executive Officer at Windracers, said: “This expansion is a major step for Windracers. It gives us the space and capability to scale up production of ULTRA aircraft, creating skilled jobs here in Hampshire and meeting demand from customers in the UK and overseas.

“We are proud to be building world-leading technology in Fareham and to play a part in strengthening the UK's aviation industry, and we are grateful for the support of the local community as we grow.”

The opening brought together local and regional leaders, national policymakers, industry partners, and construction firms who helped deliver the expansion.

Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Louise Clubley, who attended the event, said: “It is fantastic to see a business like Windracers investing in Fareham. This new factory brings high-quality jobs to the area and puts our borough at the heart of an exciting and fast-growing industry.

“I was delighted to meet the team and see first-hand the skills and innovation that are being developed right here in our community.”

The event highlighted Windracers' growing contribution to the local economy and to the UK's position as a leader in autonomous aviation technology.