GKN Puts Technology First
GKN is focusing on technology insertion for various programs while further developing its additive manufacturing expertise.
A GKN technician at an electron beam melting (EBM) machine, which permits toolless additive manufacturing that can create solid titanium objects–such as wing ribs from powder–rapidly and cost-effectively. Below, a GKN technician works on a composite spar assembly of a rear trailing edge.
A GKN technician at an electron beam melting (EBM) machine, which permits toolless additive manufacturing that can create solid titanium objects–such as wing ribs from powder–rapidly and cost-effectively. Below, a GKN technician works on a composite spar assembly of a rear trailing edge.

Rich Oldfield, GKN Aerospace technical director, told AIN that technology remains at the heart of the company’s ability to succeed in the market and it invests heavily, especially in composites, metallics and developing a “niche portfolio in transparencies, protection systems and coatings, which many of our competitors don’t have.” Alongside this are “important technologies in inspection, assembly and automation.”