French Aerospace Manufacturer Sodern America Chooses Douglas County for U.S. Expansion

Sodern America, a space equipment manufacturer and a global leader in satellite defense and communications technologies, has selected Colorado for its U.S. expansion.

“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.

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 is establishing a U.S. operation to assemble, integrate, test, and commercialize advanced optronic systems to better serve U.S. 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.

Sodern America is expected to create around 20 net new good-paying jobs with positions including engineers, quality, production and supply chain professionals, and business development.

“Sodern’s expansion in Douglas County underscores Colorado’s strength as a global hub for aerospace innovation. Companies like Sodern help fuel cutting-edge technology, support high-quality jobs, and strengthen our statewide economy,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $110,094 in performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits for the company over an eight-year period. These incentives are contingent upon Sodern America, referred to as Project SAM throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements. Douglas County is also providing local incentives to support the project. Data Courtesy: BLDUP, Inc.

The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC), the Colorado Space Coalition and Denver South began working with Sodern America 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 choosing Colorado for its first foothold in the U.S. is the result of sustained engagement and strong regional collaboration,” said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of Metro Denver EDC. “From early conversations in 2025 through in-person meetings at the Paris Air Show, this project reflects how Metro Denver partners work together to compete and win for global aerospace investment."

“Sodern America’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 America, 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 America considered Alabama, California and Texas for expansion. Sodern employs approximately 470 people globally, with no existing employees in Colorado prior to this expansion.