New Jobs and Global Investment Land in Metro Denver Region via French Aerospace Expansion
DENVER – Sodern America, a space and defense equipment manufacturer and a global leader in satellite defense and communications technologies, has selected Colorado for its U.S. expansion. Expected to create around 20 net new good-paying jobs with positions including engineers, quality, production and supply chain professionals, and business development, the French company joins more than 2,200 aerospace-related companies in the state, further solidifying it as a leader in the industry.
The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC), the Colorado Space Coalition, Denver South, and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade began working with Sodern in early 2025, to position the Metro Denver region as a competitive U.S. location. That collaboration extended internationally, including joint meetings and follow-up discussions during the Paris Air Show in June 2025, where regional, state, and local partners highlighted Colorado’s aerospace ecosystem, talent pipeline, and long-term growth opportunities.
“Sodern America’s decision to establish its first U.S. foothold in Colorado is the direct result of sustained engagement and strong regional collaboration,” said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of Metro Denver EDC. “Our 'Colorado-first' approach to business attraction ensures that our competitive assets shine on the global stage. This project reflects our region's unique ability to collaborate, compete, and win high-impact investment.
Sodern America’s choice also compliments the NSF ASCEND Engine in Colorado and Wyoming, which supports the development of advanced sensing and computation technologies and innovation in the region. In partnership with the ASCEND Engine, Metro Denver EDC is supporting the recruitment of companies in these industries to spur job growth.
Sodern is an internationally recognized manufacturer of high-precision optronic equipment, including star trackers and space cameras used in commercial, civil, and national security space missions. Sodern plans to establish a U.S. operation to assemble, integrate, test, and commercialize advanced optronic systems to better serve U.S. customers and partners.
Sodern America will rely on a local team comprising technical experts and a dedicated sales function. The site, covering approximately 14,000 square feet, includes:
- A clean room for Auriga™ star tracker assembly, integration, and testing
- Advanced testing facilities for high-performance trackers such as Hydra
- A showroom and demonstration area for welcoming customers and partners
“This strategic opening marks a major milestone in our international development and reinforces our long-term commitment to the U.S. market,” said Vincent Dedieu, CEO of Sodern.
“With Sodern America now established in the United States, we will be able to respond faster and with greater flexibility to our customers’ needs. Having lived in Colorado for over 25 years, I am personally convinced it is the ideal location to open our local manufacturing operations,” said Tiphaine Louradour, CEO of Sodern America.
“Colorado is home to more than 2,000 aerospace companies that support our state’s thriving aerospace industry and thousands of jobs around the state. Sodern America will build on services that support our national space activities while creating new good-paying jobs,” said Governor Polis.
“We are thrilled to see Sodern expand in Douglas County. Companies like Sodern play a critical role in supporting growth and innovation in our state’s aerospace ecosystem while also strengthening our economy,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.
“Sodern’s decision to locate in our region reflects the strength of Colorado’s aerospace ecosystem and the value of strong regional collaboration,” said Christine Shapard, Senior Director Economic Development of Denver South. “Our focus is on making it easy for high-impact employers to put down roots and scale here, from site selection to coordination with local and state partners. This project reflects our shared commitment to attracting global companies that bring advanced technology and high-quality jobs to the region.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Sodern, an international aerospace company, to Douglas County! This partnership positions us as a leader in the aerospace industry, showcasing our strategic location, high quality of life, and talented workforce. This investment will create new jobs in advanced manufacturing and drive innovation that will enhance our community’s future,” said Ellie Reynolds, President and CEO of Douglas County Economic Development Corporation.
In addition to Colorado, Sodern considered Alabama, California and Texas for expansion. Sodern employs approximately 470 people globally, with no existing employees in Colorado prior to this expansion.
About the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation
The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC) is a private, nonprofit economic development organization representing an 11-county region in Colorado. Metro Denver EDC works in partnership with local governments, businesses, utilities, and state agencies to attract, retain, and grow companies in key industries including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology. Through domestic and international recruitment, market intelligence, and site selection support, Metro Denver EDC helps companies successfully expand while strengthening the region’s long-term economic competitiveness.
About Denver South
Denver South has been the nexus between public and private sectors for more than four decades, driving forward regional collaborations to make the area one of the premier places in the world to start, grow and locate a business. Its primary focuses are transportation and economic development in and around the South I-25 highway and rail corridor south of Denver, Colorado. The organization brings together government, business and community leaders to work collaboratively for the success of all. From creating a broad aspirational vision for the future to tackling issues like mobility, creating dynamic public spaces and attracting the workforce of the future, Denver South strives to make the region a great place to live, work and play.
About the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation
The Douglas County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) works to strengthen and diversify Douglas County’s economy by supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts. DCEDC partners with local jurisdictions, regional organizations, and the State of Colorado to promote a competitive business environment, support workforce development, and create high-quality jobs for residents.
About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.