GKN Aerospace Announces New £32m Global Technology Center in Bristol

The UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, and the Chief Executive of GKN Aerospace, Hans Büthker, revealed plans for GKN Aerospace’s new Global Technology Centre in the UK. The new center is expected to open in 2020 and the 10,000 sq m facility will host 300 highly skilled engineers, and will include collaborative space for research and development with universities, the UK’s CATAPULT network and GKN Aerospace’s UK supply chain. The center will focus on additive manufacturing (AM), advanced composites, assembly and industry 4.0 processes to enable the high rate production of aircraft structures. The GTC will maintain GKN Aerospace’s position at the forefront of technology development for the next generation of energy efficient aircraft. The facility will serve as a base for GKN Aerospace’s technology partnership in the Airbus’ ”Wing of Tomorrow” technology program as well as new additive manufacturing programs.

The Bristol center joins a growing list of GKN Aerospace Centres of Technical Excellence around the world. Each center has a unique technology focus - covering AM, thermoplastics and smart aero-engine systems - and is supported and linked by a clear digital strategy. Additive Industries is a proud partner of the Bristol GTC and will join GKN Aerospace in their additive manufacturing programs from the co-located Process & Application Development Centre.

According to Büthker, “GKN Aerospace can trace its engineering heritage back to the 18th century and we are proud of our role as a leading player in the UK’s world leading aerospace sector. The GTC will ensure we continue to develop new technologies that deliver for our customers, making aircraft more sustainable and economical. It will also support our 4,000 strong workforce in the UK, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of the global aerospace industry. The GTC is a great example of the UK’s industrial strategy at its best: with industry and the Government coming together to invest in the technology of the future.’’

Dr. Mark Beard, Additive Industries Global Director for Process and Application Development, stated, “The GTC is a perfect example of the UK’s commitment to Additive Manufacturing and this further strengthens Additive Industries presence in such an important region. The GTC compliments the Additive Industries Competence Centre in the UK, which is the global center for early stage processes development for the company.”

“Additive Industries is proud to be part of GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre ecosystem and is committed to collaborate with all partners involved to accelerate industrialization of aerospace applications in additive manufacturing. GKN Aerospace is a leading partner in this challenging and fast growing market,” added Daan A.J. Kersten, CEO of Additive Industries.

For more information, visit www.additiveindustries.com.

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