French Aerospace Company Sodern Expands to Colorado's Douglas County

Sodern, known for manufacturing star trackers and space cameras, is launching Sodern America with a production line dedicated to U.S. customers.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

French aerospace company Sodern is opening a new production facility, Sodern America, in Douglas County, Colorado. The company, which manufactures star trackers and space cameras, chose Colorado for its existing aerospace ecosystem and highly skilled workforce. Sodern America will be 100% dedicated to serving U.S. customers, who make up 30% of Sodern's business globally.

Why it matters

Sodern's arrival in Douglas County further strengthens the region's growing aerospace hub, which has attracted other international companies like Safran Defense and Space in recent years. The move highlights Colorado's appeal as a destination for aerospace firms looking to access skilled talent and be closer to key U.S. customers and other industry players.

The details

Sodern is launching Sodern America with plans to initially hire 10 production, business, and sales positions. The new facility in Douglas County's Meridian area will include a clean room, advanced testing facilities, and a showroom. Sodern received incentives from the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation and the Colorado Economic Development Commission to help bring the project to the state.

  • Sodern announced the launch of Sodern America in February 2026.
  • Construction is currently ramping up at the new facility.
  • Sodern America hopes to be operational by the end of 2026.

The players

Sodern

A French aerospace company known for manufacturing star trackers and space cameras.

Sodern America

The new production facility that Sodern is launching in Douglas County, Colorado, which will be 100% dedicated to serving U.S. customers.

Tiphaine Louradour

The CEO of Sodern America.

Ellie Reynolds

The CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation.

Colorado Economic Development Commission

The state agency that approved over $100,000 in job growth tax credits to help bring Sodern America to Colorado.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Having a strong space hub in Colorado was one of the elements. Also having access to a very highly skilled workforce. It also gives us easy access to both coasts and other space hubs in the United States.”

— Tiphaine Louradour, CEO of Sodern America (cbsnews.com)

“We're getting quite the contingent, and a lot of that has to do with the international outreach that the county has done. We're just excited to have another international aerospace company locate here in Douglas County and increase that ecosystem of aerospace between the smaller suppliers and the large primes like Lockheed and Northrop Grumman.”

— Ellie Reynolds, CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Sodern America plans to begin hiring for its initial 10 production, business, and sales positions in the coming months as construction on the new facility is completed.

The takeaway

Sodern's decision to establish Sodern America in Douglas County further solidifies Colorado's reputation as a premier destination for aerospace companies seeking access to skilled talent and proximity to key U.S. customers and industry hubs. The move also highlights the success of Douglas County's efforts to attract international firms and grow its local aerospace ecosystem.