Thales in Twente: a strategic home base for global high-tech

“There’s a historical reason why Thales is located here in Twente,” explains Job van Harmelen, director of corporate communications at Thales. “We were founded in 1922 as Hollands Signaal. At that time, the Dutch navy needed German fire control systems, but Germany was no longer allowed to manufacture them. The decision was made to move production just across the border to the Netherlands, where a strong technical foundation and skilled precision engineers were already in place. It’s remarkable that we’ve been doing the same work for a hundred years, in a region that has so rapidly evolved.”

The power of the region

Thales designs and manufactures complex technology with a strong focus on defense and security, including advanced radar systems and the integration of systems on naval vessels. It also conducts fundamental research into new radar technologies, in collaboration with educational institutions, TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research), and end users. This in-depth expertise makes Thales a driving force in Twente’s high-tech ecosystem – and, in turn, Thales thrives thanks to the region’s strengths.

“Here you find a unique combination of talent, space, and a fully equipped supply chain,” says Van Harmelen. “Twente offers everything needed to successfully deliver complex high-tech projects, from R&D to production.” In addition to Twente, Thales also has other locations in the Netherlands, offering products and services in the fields of cybersecurity, digital identity, and vehicle communication.

A talent magnet for Europe

Working at Thales in Hengelo means joining an international high-tech environment. “Until about ten years ago, most of our employees came from the region,” Van Harmelen explains. “Today, we attract talent from across Europe, and employ people of more than 30 nationalities. We are firmly embedded here, and nearly all our suppliers – including Benchmark Electronics and VDL – are located in Twente.”

How does Van Harmelen describe this collaboration with local partners? “Very direct and accessible,” he says. “At the same time, Thales’ Twente site is increasingly international, handling a growing number of global contracts. As a result, our supplier network across the border is expanding. For many global companies, this region is the perfect base for Europe.”

Another advantage is the strong link between Thales and educational institutions such as the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences, which train talent and attract students who often continue their careers in the region.

International collaboration

This regional integration goes hand in hand with a rich international history. The former Hollands Signaal became part of the French Thales Group in 1990, and the Hengelo site has maintained a unique position within the global group, largely thanks to its location.

“We were Thales’ first foreign acquisition, and also one of the most successful,” says Van Harmelen. According to him, French colleagues immediately recognize the advantages of this location when they visit. “In addition to everything we have mentioned, there is also the German hinterland, home to many high-quality suppliers, especially in the automotive sector. Another unique feature is the natural collaboration between business, education, and the government – precisely what gives innovation extra momentum here.”