Defense Industrial Strategy

Conference organized by the Sekuens Agency, UGT-FICAS and the Anastasio Gracia Foundation, with the collaboration of a good number of members of Asturias Hub Defensa

June 26-27 , 2024

Cannon Workshop, Oviedo's Old Arms Factory

9:00

Target

The event, organized by the government of the Principality through SEKUENS, UGT FICA and the Anastasio de Gracia Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the sponsorship of several companies, brought together more than 30 Asturian and Spanish companies to exhibit their most advanced technologies in the field of defense and nearly a thousand attendees , including companies, professionals, institutions and union representatives, generating a positive impact on the region.

Focus onthe defense industry as an economic engine: The importance of the sector as a generator of employment, growth and innovation was highlighted, and as a crucial element for Spain’s technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
Public-private collaboration: The meeting encouraged synergy between companies,public administrations and social agents to promote the development of the sector.
High-level round tables: Addressed strategic issues such as the challenges of the Spanish industry, the new investment cycle in defense, training and innovation in the sector.

Assistants

Presence of regional firms belonging to Asturias Hub Defensa: Companies such as GDELS Santa Bárbara, ACR Cases, Rodisa, Itemat, Oxiplant, Ingeniacity, Seerstems, Its Safety, Electroniquel, Tor Pinturas, Itemat, Oxiplant, Ingeniacity, Seerstems, Its Safety, Electroniquel, Tor Pinturas, Perimeter Solutions – Auxquimia, Triditive, IDONIAL, SVMAC, Bulbox, Imageryst, Twave, GAM, Icube, Adaro, Svelt, Dogram and Militex.
Presence of leading companies: Relevant national and international companies participated, such as Escribano, Navantia, Airbus, Indra and Santa Bárbara Sismetas, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions.
Ministry of Defense: Senior Ministry officials , including the Secretary of State for Defense, Amparo Valcarce.
Army, Sea and Air Force: Senior officers of the three armies.
Delegation of Defense in the Principality of Asturias.
Government of the Principality of Asturias: President, counselor and other regional authorities.
Oviedo City Council: Mayor and municipal representatives.
Trade unionorganizations: UGT FICA and other labor organizations.
Experts and professionals in the defense sector.
Representatives of universities, research centers and technological entities.
Media.

Important announcements

Throughout the two days , announcements of great importance for the region were made:

New Escribano plant: The group will install an engineering plant in the region, creating new employment and technological development opportunities.
Rheinmetall Expal Munitions staff increase: Admiral José Luis Urcelay, president of Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, commented that the Trubia plant is currently employing 300 people and expect to reach 350 before the end of the year.
Defense TechnologyCenter: The Ministry of Defense will create a technology center in Asturias, linked to the Tess Defense consortium, to promote RDI in the sector.
Via Carisa: This new industrial corridor that will connect the productive centers of Asturias and Andalusia was presented, and Andalusia, fostering collaboration and business exchange.

Agenda of the day

9:00 Welcome by:
- D. Felix González, secretary of administration and resources of UGT FICA and trustee of the Anastasio de Gracia Foundation.
- D. David González, Executive Director of the Science, Business Competitiveness and Innovation Agency of the Principality of Asturias ( SEKUENS).
11:05 Roundtable: “Society and training: opportunity to generate employment, attract industry and strengthen territorial cohesion “
Moderator: Paxo Herranz, Director of IndustryTalks
- Mr. José Bayón, General Manager of the School of Industrial Organization (EOI)
- Ms. Rocío Cachero, Director of Dogram
- D. Francisco Quereda, CEO de ISDEFE
- Mr. Ángel Llavero, Meltio’ s CEO
- Mr. Juan Antonio Vázquez, Secretary for Industrial Policy of UGT FICA
9:50 Round Table: “Innovation and Technology Transfer moving towards strategic autonomy “
Moderator: Mr. Carlos Paniceres Estrada, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Oviedo.
- D. Enrique Campo Loarte, Division General, Deputy Director General for Planning, Technology and Innovation of the DGAM.
- D. Borja Sánchez García, Regional Minister of Science, Enterprise, Training and Employment of the Principality of Asturias
- Mr. Juan Antonio Tébar, Director of EU Programs and Territorial Cooperation of CDTI
- Ms. Paula Queipo, Secretary of Asturias Hub Defense and Business Director at IDONIAL.
10:40 “The new defense strategy: challenges and opportunities”
Presentation by Ms. María Amparo Valcarce, Secretary of State for Defense of the Spanish Government.
11:10 Break – Coffee and networking
11:30 Strategic Alliance for the strengthening of the”Ruta de la Plata” Industrial Corridor.
11:45 Closing ceremony
- Mr. Adrián Barbón, President of the Principality of Asturias
- D. Mariano Hoya, General Secretary of UGT FICA
12:30 Closing with performance
12.30 to 14:30 Visit of the technological demonstration and networking

exhibition poster

Areas of the exhibition

Exposure plan

Old Oviedo Arms Factory

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