Supplier GKN Aerospace is to invest £32m (US$41m) in a research center in Bristol, UK to help develop additive manufacturing (AM), advanced composites, assembly and industry 4.0 processes.
The 10,000 square metre “Global Technology Centre” (GTC) will develop technologies and processes to enable the high rate production of aircraft structures and more fuel-efficient aircraft. The center is expected to open in 2020 and will employ 300 engineers.
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, and the Chief Executive of GKN Aerospace, Hans Büthker today revealed plans for GKN Aerospace’s new Global Technology Centre in the UK.
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.
Hans Büthker, GKN Aerospace’s Chief Executive said, “The company 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. The GTC will continue to foster such collaboration across the entire UK Aerospace ecosystem and we look forward to working with the British Government in the years to come.”
