GKN Aerospace has announced a significant investment of approximately $63.85 million into its additive manufacturing technology at its Trollhättan facility in Sweden. This investment, which includes about $15.32 million funded by the Swedish Energy Agency’s Industriklivet initiative, aims to enhance sustainable manufacturing practices in the aerospace industry. The new technology is expected to be operational in 2024. Traditional aircraft engine components are typically made from large castings and forgings, with a substantial amount of material being machined away to achieve the final product.
GKN Aerospace’s adoption of additive technology, which constructs components layer by layer using metal wire or powder fused by lasers, is set to reduce raw material usage by up to 80%. This approach is anticipated to significantly decrease waste, energy consumption, and emissions, while also reducing production costs and lead times. GKN Aerospace, a leader in additive fabrication for nearly two decades, maintains extensive research and technology centers in Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S. The company’s new production center in Trollhättan, backed by Industriklivet, is expected to create approximately 150 new jobs, including positions for operators, technicians, and engineers. Joakim Andersson, president of GKN Aerospace’s engines business, highlighted the company’s commitment to driving sustainability in aviation and pioneering improved solutions for customers.
He noted that the development of additive fabrication for large, complex aircraft components is a significant industry breakthrough, with the technology offering considerable benefits. Peter Engdahl, head of research, innovation, and business development at the Swedish Energy Agency, emphasized the potential of GKN Aerospace’s solution to reduce raw material use and revolutionize aircraft engine design, making it lighter and more efficient. He pointed out that this is the first application of such technology for components of this size and anticipates its global spread and adaptation in other fields.
GKN Aerospace is working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company employs lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, electrical wiring interconnection systems, and innovative engine systems in its manufacturing processes to reduce emissions and aircraft weight. GKN Aerospace, with a workforce of 15,000 across 35 manufacturing locations in 12 countries, specializes in the production of aerostructures and engine systems.
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