AQST Space Systems announced today the company is moving its headquarters from Puerto Rico to Mesa, Arizona. The company plans to manufacture and assemble rockets for small satellites and expects to begin production by the end of 2018.

The aerospace systems technologies solutions company has secured space for headquarters operations at Falcon Field Airport in the City of Mesa’s Falcon District, and plans to acquire additional space for its manufacturing operations. AQST Space Systems expects to hire up to 125 employees, including engineers, welders, technicians, satellite operators, data scientist managers and other support personnel over the next three years.

“When companies decide to move their headquarters to our state, it’s a testament to the pro-business climate in Arizona,” said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. “AQST has confidence in Arizona and its workforce. We are proud they’ve decided to make Arizona their home, as they continue to grow their aerospace and defense company. We congratulate them and wish them success.”

“Arizona has been very welcoming and good to us,” said Arnaldo Soto, Jr., Chairman and CEO of AQST. “We especially like the collaboration exhibited by the aerospace and tech business community, led by Governor Doug Ducey’s pro-prosperity agenda.”

“I’d like to congratulate AQST on the relocation of their global headquarters and their exciting contribution to Arizona’s thriving aerospace and defense industry,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We welcome the innovation and advanced manufacturing jobs AQST brings to our state and are proud we can continue to support this industry with a skilled and educated pipeline of talent.”

AQST provides strategic approach planning to the space and defense industry, utilizing space systems, satellites, robotics, automation, Artificial Intelligence and other state-of-the-art technology. The company supports industries ranging from aerospace, high-tech regulated manufacturing, bio-pharma and life sciences, telecommunications, space infrastructure and scientific research and development.

“AQST is an exciting addition to both Mesa and Arizona’s thriving tech industry,” Mayor John Giles said. “Their decision to locate in Mesa is a great endorsement of our business-friendly environment and the forward-thinking, public investment in the Falcon District.”

“AQST choosing the Falcon District for its new headquarters speaks volumes about Mesa’s commitment to bringing in high tech companies to not only this area, but the entire City,” District 5 Councilmember and Vice Mayor David Luna said. “AQST has invested not only financially, but in our community as a whole, bringing opportunities for our citizens.”

“AQST Space Systems joins a robust ecosystem of aerospace companies in Greater Phoenix that have not only helped to shape our region’s legacy industry but also our future growth potential,” says Chris Camacho, President and CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “We thank them for their investment in the region and wish them ongoing success in Mesa.”