Thales & Hexagon partner to ramp up EMEA quality & production
Thales has entered into a five-year agreement with Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division to support the scaling up of production and standardisation of quality across its operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
Under the terms of the agreement, Hexagon will serve as the designated supplier of metrology equipment, software, and related services for all Thales sites in the region. The partnership aims to streamline procurement processes and enable Thales teams to access advanced measurement and inspection technologies more efficiently.
The framework agreement was signed by Didier Perrigault, Global Expenses Procurement Director at Thales, and Stephen Chadwick, President EMEA at Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division. Both companies have previously worked together on programmes in France and Italy, and this formal agreement builds on their established relationship.
Production ramp-up
The agreement aims to support Thales as it responds to heightened demand for its systems and technology. Standardisation and harmonisation of quality measurement processes will be a focus, as Thales seeks to ensure operational consistency across its sites.
Through this partnership, Thales is expected to benefit from streamlined access to Hexagon's metrology solutions and local expertise, supporting a responsive approach to growing production requirements. Hexagon, acting as both supplier and partner, will deliver advanced measurement systems, including laser, LiDAR, and touch measurement systems, as well as intelligent automation technologies. These tools are designed to enhance throughput and agility in production environments.
Technology and digital solutions
The collaboration also addresses industry challenges linked to skills shortages and the need for rapid collaboration between distributed teams. By implementing digital manufacturing solutions, Thales intends to standardise quality assurance and strengthen traceability across all EMEA manufacturing locations.
Both parties have highlighted the shared commitment to several key areas: driving global quality through standardisation, accelerating procurement and deployment of metrology technology, and strengthening collaboration to improve consistency and traceability. The agreement encourages the adoption of democratised technologies, intended to connect people and processes and establish repeatable standards for quality assurance.
Shared objectives
The companies are positioning the partnership as a foundation for broader industrial transformation. Hexagon is expected to provide ongoing services and maintenance, supporting Thales' pursuit of efficiency and sustainability as it expands its EMEA operations. The collaboration is also intended to enable more effective communication and teamwork between different Thales sites by unifying measurement and quality processes.
