Thales inaugurates the Center of Excellence in Engineering in Bucharest

By Edwig Ban
The Thales French Group inaugurated a center of excellence in engineering on Thursday, where more than 750 engineers will be hired over the next three years, said Silviu Agapi, CEO of Thales Romania.
The company now has over 250 engineers employed.
‘Thales has already had a solid presence in Romania as a partner of the Romanian Armed Forces for more than 40 years and industrial operations established here since 2007. The Group has invested heavily in equipment and outfit for the development of the center of excellence in engineering, and in professional training and transfer of expertise, “Agapi said.
According to him, the center in Bucharest becomes a strategic component of the Thales Group, with complex projects and career opportunities in all areas of activity, such as land, aeronautics, defense, security and space.
“The software engineers and specialists Thales in Romania will provide the best and most innovative digital solutions for our customers around the world,” Agapi added.
The company already operates in Bucharest a signposting competence center on railways with more than 250 hired software engineers.
Attending the event, Romanian Defense Minister Gabriel Leş showed that Thales is an important partner of the Romanian Armed Forces.
“We have to emphasize that the investment inaugurated today is not just a beautiful moment, illustrating the cooperation between Romania and France or the opening of an impressive office, but it is very important for the development of a new field for the future, at the intersection of research and operational applicability” the minister said.
He reminded that Romania has allocated 2% of GDP to the defense sector.
“We have repeatedly said that we want to see new investments under this ambitious program that will help to improve our defense capabilities, but also to develop the national defense industry. Romania is ready to receive those companies that want to contribute to the development of the local industry, “Les said.
Worldwide, Thales has 65,000 employees in 56 countries and reported sales of 15.9 billion euros in 2018.