Why did Dyson establish its Global Headquarters in Singapore?
In January 2019, Dyson announced it would establish its first Global Headquarters in Singapore in order to be closer to Dyson’s fastest growing markets and all of its suppliers and manufacturing operations. This reflected a shift that had occurred over a number of years during the company’s evolution into a global technology company.
The opening of Dyson’s Global Headquarters at St James Power Station in Singapore in 2022 marked a significant milestone for the company. Singapore’s first power station and first automated warehouse, the building has long been associated with cutting edge technology and innovation. Today, Dyson is proud to be the custodian of this historic national monument, preserving its heritage while helping to shape the future of engineering and technology.
British roots
While Dyson’s Global Headquarters is in Singapore, the company remains deeply connected to its British heritage. Its Malmesbury campus continues to serve as a major centre for research and development, with a particular focus on early-stage innovation. Dyson also maintains a strong commitment to developing engineers of the future in the UK, where it employs around 2,000 people, the majority of whom are engineers and scientists.
This investment is demonstrated through Dyson’s university - the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology - and through the work of the James Dyson Foundation. The Dyson Institute was the first of its kind, offering students the opportunity to earn a Masters of Engineering degree while paying no tuition fees, receiving a salary and working alongside Dyson engineers on real-world projects from day one. Meanwhile, the James Dyson Foundation has committed around £155 million to educational and charitable causes, helping to support and inspire future engineers.
Dyson recognises the value in combining research from different countries and Dyson Institute graduates now spend a year abroad in Southeast Asia to gain insight into global research and development.
FAQs
Why don’t you manufacture products in the UK?
Everyone else had moved their production to Asia and sadly none of our suppliers were left in Britain. You’ve got to be close to your suppliers for quality, for improving the technology and for quick supply.
Did Dyson establish its HQ in Singapore for cheaper labour?
Dyson’s decision was never about cheap labour. Labour costs in Singapore are actually higher than the UK. If labour savings were the goal, Dyson would have followed the manufacturing exodus to China, which left many Southeast Asian factories empty (particularly in Malaysia). Instead, Dyson chose Singapore for its skilled workforce, innovation culture and strategic location.
Did Dyson move away from the UK for tax purposes?
No. The difference in the amount of tax paid since Dyson established Singapore as its global HQ is negligible. Dyson still pays more tax in the UK than anywhere else in the world and James Dyson was listed on The Sunday Times 2026 Tax List as paying £100m.
Did Dyson move out of the UK because of Brexit?
No, Dyson’s main operations and supply chain were based in Asia years before Brexit happened.
