Asturias continues to strengthen its appeal as a destination for industrial and technological investment with the arrival of Northern Waves, a company specialized in the design and manufacturing of advanced radiofrequency components for satellite communications. The project will involve an investment of €1.5 million and will expand the region’s industrial capabilities in a strategic sector such as aerospace.
The project was presented by the Regional Minister of Science, Industry and Employment, Borja Sánchez, together with the Executive Director of the Sekuens Agency, David González, during a meeting with company representatives: CEO Pepe Rico; CFO Sara Fernández Garrido; and Product Director Guillermo Menéndez.
The new facility, located in the industrial area of Porceyo (Gijón), will focus on the production of satellite antennas and high-frequency components using metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology. This advanced technology makes it possible to develop lighter, stronger, and optimized parts, with applications in sectors such as space, telecommunications, defence, and automotive. The plant will be operational this summer with an initial production capacity of around 5,000 antennas per year, which the company expects to gradually increase to 12,000–15,000 units annually within two years.
To achieve this, Northern Waves will install four new metal additive manufacturing machines, adding to an existing one, and plans to incorporate four more, further strengthening its production capacity in Asturias.
The role of SEKUENS in attracting the project
Sekuens has supported the company throughout its establishment process, helping to consolidate Asturias as a competitive destination for technological and industrial investment.
Sekuens Executive Director David González highlighted that “Northern Waves is a representative example of the type of projects we aim to attract highly specialized initiatives with international projection capable of generating advanced industrial activity and added value.”
For his part, Regional Minister Borja Sánchez emphasized that the company’s arrival “not only represents investment, but also technological industry, advanced manufacturing, internationalization, and talent return,” fully aligned with the regional government’s strategy.
Boosting the Asturian aerospace ecosystem
The
arrival of Northern Waves is part of Asturias’ strategy to position the
region as a competitive hub in the aerospace industry, in line with
initiatives such as the development of nanosatellites and rocket engine test
facilities.
This
project strengthens an ecosystem in which companies, universities, and
innovation actors work in coordination, fostering technological development
and connections with international markets.
Talent return and generation of skilled employment
Northern Waves was founded by Asturian entrepreneur Pepe Rico, who has an international career linked to the European Space Agency. The Sweden-based company has decided to relocate industrial activity to Asturias as part of its growth strategy, contributing to the return of talent.
It currently has 11 employees and has already hired five professionals in Asturias, with plans for further recruitment, including an industrial researcher in collaboration with the University of Oviedo.
Asturias, a destination for advanced industry
The establishment of Northern Waves reinforces Asturias’ positioning as an attractive territory for investment in high value-added sectors such as aerospace, advanced telecommunications, and knowledge-based manufacturing.
In this way, the region continues to promote the arrival of projects that combine innovation, industrial capacity, and talent, consolidating a favourable environment for business growth and internationalization.
