As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Walloon company EURO HEAT PIPES (EHP) is investing in a new production facility in Nivelles to support the rapid growth of the space sector. The company is also strengthening its market position through a long-term industrial partnership with Safran Aero Boosters for the Ariane 6 programme.
The past few months have brought significant developments for Walloon company EHP (EURO HEAT PIPES), a specialist in thermal management solutions and deployable systems for satellite electric propulsion.
Founded in 2001, EHP designs and manufactures high-precision technologies for the most demanding space environments. This year, the company celebrates its 25th anniversary and is taking a major step forward with a new 10,000 m² facility in Nivelles, including 2,000 m² of cleanroom space. This investment positions EHP as a global leader in the production of heat pipes by significantly expanding its manufacturing and development capabilities at a time when demand is rapidly increasing, driven by satellite constellations, telecommunications, Earth observation, and major international space programmes.
"Twenty-five years ago, EURO HEAT PIPES was founded on a bold technological vision led by Professor Jean-Claude Legros of the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Today, our solutions are integrated into major European and international space programmes, and our continued growth is driving us to invest in new infrastructure to prepare for the future. This new facility reflects our ambition to continue expanding while maintaining high-value industrial and technological expertise in Belgium," said Laurent Barremaecker, CEO of EHP.
Industrial Partnership with Safran Aero Boosters
In another major milestone, EHP has announced a long-term strategic industrial partnership with Safran Aero Boosters in support of Ariane 6 and future space programmes.
The two companies have signed an agreement under which Safran Aero Boosters will subcontract selected production activities to EHP starting in 2026. The scope of the partnership covers several Ariane 6 valve references as well as a broad range of activities, from assembly to environmental testing, all of which will be carried out at EHP's new facility in Nivelles.
Together, the two companies aim to strengthen their industrial capabilities, enhance operational excellence, and improve the competitiveness of European space programmes. This partnership will contribute to reinforcing Europe's autonomous access to space while supporting the ramp-up of Ariane 6 production.
At the heart of this collaboration are critical propulsion valves, components that play an essential role in the operational success and reliability of every launch. These high-performance components are subject to exceptionally stringent industrial requirements, particularly in terms of cleanliness, process quality, and the precision of assembly and testing operations, demonstrating the level of excellence required for space propulsion systems.
This partnership represents a strong collaboration between two leading industrial companies from Wallonia.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
