UK defence technology firm OpenWorks Engineering says it has formally expanded into the United States, establishing a regional headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia, and outlining plans for a manufacturing facility in Detroit, Michigan.
The Northumberland-based company said it will remain headquartered in North East England, with the US subsidiary intended to extend operations and collaboration with NATO nations and allies.
OpenWorks, founded in 2015, develops counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS), air defence and surveillance technology, including physical drone capture devices and autonomous vision systems. The company said its SkyWall Patrol handheld net capture system has been used to protect “numerous” EU heads of state and US presidents Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
The company also said its systems have been deployed at major events including the G7 Summit, the World Economic Forum, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
OpenWorks attributed the US move to increased demand, saying product adoption grew fourfold from 2025 to mid-2026. It also said it had expanded headcount from 26 in 2024 to 125.
As part of the North American expansion, OpenWorks said it has appointed Chris Bigwood as executive vice president, responsible for business development and corporate strategy in North America. Bigwood previously served as chief revenue officer at Clear Align, according to the company, and will lead the planned Detroit production facility, which OpenWorks said is expected to open within 2026.
The company said it has invested more than £2 million in UK research and development over the past year, including work with Northumbria University’s North East Space Communications Accelerator, funding two PhD programmes in autonomous vision systems, and supporting other academic research.
OpenWorks chief executive Chris Down said the company’s roots in North East England would remain central as it expands into the US.
