Thales Alenia Space, jointly owned by Thales and Finmeccanica, has a plant in L’Aquila (Italy) and is the leading private employer in the city, with 290 employees dedicated to the production of electronic equipment for space applications.

Due to the violent earthquakes and tremors in this region over the last 48 hours, the company has released the following statement: “We are all deeply upset by the terrible earthquake that has hit L’Aquila, and its impact on the entire population in the region. We have received reassuring information concerning almost all of our employees. Unfortunately, we learned with great sadness yesterday that one of our employees was among the victims. Our thoughts are with her family and relatives at this moment. We are remaining in close contact with all of our employees who have been affected by this event. Our plant was impacted by the earthquake and is currently closed. We have taken all necessary measures to minimise the consequences for our customers and secure the site, in collaboration with our insurers. We are waiting for the complete report to be finished, along with Italian authorities, to set up an action plan as quickly as possible. Our aim is to resume operations as soon as possible, and to continue to provide work for our personnel. Starting immediately, and for the next few weeks, we are applying conservative measures to maintain the salaries of all the employees. Our shareholders, Thales and Finmeccanica, are mobilised to show their support to all the employees in L’Aquila, as well as to the rest of the surrounding population. Thales plans to set up a system that would allow all employees to contribute to a solidarity fund for their colleagues in L’Aquila. Furthermore, Thales Alenia Space has already decided to donate an initial sum of 100,000 euros to local authorities as an emergency contribution.”

Our thoughts and prayers go to all in L'Aquila and we offer our condolences to the victims and best wishes to the Thales Alenia Space operation in the victim city.

(Photo: released by the Italian Guardia Forestale reveals the earthquake destruction in L'Aquila.)