Scotland’s space sector has found a new owner for a key site. Portuguese space technology group Omnidea has bought the assets of Orbex. Orbex was the Scottish rocket maker that collapsed earlier this year.
The Omnidea Orbex acquisition includes the Forres manufacturing facility in Moray. It also covers Orbex’s intellectual property. In other words, Orbex’s know-how stays in Scotland under new ownership. Additionally, former Orbex staff will form the new team.
Key Takeaways
- Omnidea has bought the assets and intellectual property of Orbex.
- The deal includes Orbex’s Forres manufacturing facility in Moray.
- Orbex entered administration in February 2026, with about 150 job losses.
- Forres will become Omnidea’s UK engineering centre.
- The purchase price was not disclosed.
Who is Omnidea?
Omnidea was founded in Portugal more than 20 years ago. It operates across Europe and Australia. The group works on space propulsion and advanced technology.
The two companies already knew each other well. Omnidea partnered with Orbex on the European Space Agency’s European Launcher Challenge. In other words, the acquisition builds on an existing relationship.
Sérgio da Cunha Oliveira, Omnidea’s vice president, will lead UK operations. He said the deal combines structures, electronics, and manufacturing expertise with Omnidea’s propulsion capability.
What did Omnidea buy?
Omnidea bought the assets from Orbex’s administrators. It did not take over the Orbex company itself. The deal terms are summarised below.
- Buyer: Omnidea, a Portuguese space and advanced technology group
- Seller: Joint administrators from FRP Advisory
- Assets: Forres facility and intellectual property
- Excluded: The Orbex legal entity
- Price: Not disclosed
The administrators were Chad Griffin, Geoff Rowley, and Graham Smith of FRP Advisory. Orbex’s Kinloss test facility and Sutherland Spaceport assets are being sold separately. Therefore, Omnidea’s deal centres on Forres.
From Collapse to Recovery
Orbex had been one of Scotland’s most watched space start-ups. Its fall in early 2026 hit the local economy hard. The new deal offers a partial recovery.
Orbex’s Administration
Orbex entered administration in February 2026. About 150 staff lost their jobs, The Scotsman reported. The company had been developing a small orbital launch rocket.
The collapse raised doubts about Scotland’s launch ambitions. Many skilled engineers were left without work. Consequently, the Forres site sat idle for months.
Omnidea’s Plans for Forres
Omnidea will turn Forres into its UK engineering centre. The site will focus on structures development and fabrication. It will also handle flight and ground-system electronics.
An initial team of former Orbex employees will join Omnidea. The company plans to recruit progressively as work grows. However, it has not given a hiring target.
A Growing Market for B2B Buyers
The deal keeps advanced manufacturing skills in northern Scotland. Local suppliers of materials, machining, and electronics could see new orders. The UK space supply chain also retains valuable capacity.
For aerospace suppliers, new customers are now emerging. A digital B2B platform helps aerospace component suppliers connect with engineering buyers across Europe. Such platforms open doors for small precision manufacturers. That reach matters as the space sector regroups.
This story fits a wider wave of cross-border acquisitions. B2BInside covered how Uber closed a $14.8 billion deal for Delivery Hero. Strategic buys are reshaping technology sectors too. Our report on Visa buying BioCatch for $2.4 billion shows that trend.
Can Forres Revive Scotland’s Space Ambitions?
The Omnidea Orbex acquisition saves key skills and facilities. However, it is not a full rescue of Orbex’s launch plans. The rocket programme’s future remains unclear.
Ultimately, Forres gains a new role in European space engineering. Recruitment pace will show how far that role extends. For now, the deal brings welcome stability to Moray.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Portuguese space technology group Omnidea bought them. The deal covers the Forres facility and intellectual property. The Orbex company itself was not included.
Orbex entered administration in February 2026. About 150 staff lost their jobs. FRP Advisory was appointed as administrator.
Forres will become Omnidea’s UK engineering centre. It will focus on structures, fabrication, and electronics. Former Orbex staff will form the first team.
The purchase price was not disclosed. The administrators sold the assets, not the company. Other sites are being sold separately.
The deal keeps key skills and facilities in Scotland. However, Orbex’s launch plans remain uncertain. Recovery will depend on new investment.
Sérgio da Cunha Oliveira, Omnidea’s vice president, leads them. He will oversee the Forres site. Recruitment will grow as work develops.
