Greg Clark, The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and Hans Büthker, the Chief Executive of GKN Aerospace, revealed the plans recently.
The 10,000 sq metre facility, expected to open in 2020, will host 300 engineers and will include space for collaborative 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. It will also serve as a base for GKN Aerospace’s technology partnership in the Airbus’ “Wing of Tomorrow” technology programme as well as new additive manufacturing programmes.
Chief executive of GKN Aerospace, Hans Büthker, said: “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 Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, said: “GKN Aerospace’s new Global Technology Centre further strengthens our aerospace heritage and engineering expertise, and will keep the UK at the forefront of the latest technologies and manufacturing processes for the next-generation of aircraft.
“As the sector moves towards a cleaner, greener and more efficient future, we are partnering with industry through our modern Industrial Strategy and new Aerospace Sector Deal to ensure we have the skills, innovation and supply-chain to continue our world leadership in aviation.”
