EINDHOVEN, Netherlands and BRISTOL, UK, Dec 7, 2018 – 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 centre is expected to open in 2020 and the 10,000 square meter 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 centre 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.
(from left to right): Ilko Bosman, CFO at Additive Industries; Paul Perera, VP Technology at GKN Aerospace; Dr Mark Beard, Additive Industries global director for process and application development
The Bristol centre joins a growing list of GKN Aerospace Centers of Technical Excellence around the world. Each centre 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 chief executive of GKN Aerospace, Hans 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 centre 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.
About Additive Industries
Additive Industries is accelerating industrial additive manufacturing of high quality, functional, metal parts by offering a modular end-to-end 3D printing system including a seamlessly integrated information platform to high end and demanding industrial markets. With substantially improved reproducibility, productivity, and flexibility, Additive Industries redefines the business case for series production of additive manufacturing applications in aerospace, automotive, medical technology and high-tech equipment.
For more information about Additive Industries, visit www.additiveindustries.com.
About GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies– for use in aircraft ranging from helicopters and business jets to the most used single aisle aircraft and the largest passenger planes in the world. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, innovative engine systems and smart transparencies help to reduce emissions and weight on the aircraft and enhance passenger comfort. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures, engine systems, transparencies and wiring systems and operates in 15 countries at 51 manufacturing locations employing approximately 17,000 people.
For more information about GKN Aerospace, visit www.gknaerospace.com.