Global technology centres

With the £32m GTC in Bristol GKN Aerospace has been investing in the future, together with UK government and the Aerospace Technology Institute to strengthen our position as partner of choice for the next generation of aircraft.

The GTC is an innovative, collaborative environment where 300 engineers are combining the strong capabilities of GKN Aerospace with the wider UK and international aerospace ecosystem drawing on shared knowledge and ambition to advance aerospace understanding.

In the centre GKN aims to develop crucial technologies for the next generation of aircraft: testing and proving high value, high rate technology is essential to compete and win work on future platforms .

Research and development at the GTC build on GKN’s leading positions in lightweight composites and additive manufacturing as well as integrating industry 4.0 processes.

Laser Welding and AM techniques, ‘smart’ aero-engine systems and electric and hydrogen propulsion research.

Accordingly, GKN Aerospace operates an inclusive environment which supports diversity, inclusion and belonging and provides all of our employees with the opportunity to develop skills and talents aligned with their own personal objectives while contributing to the future sustainability and success of the business.

Thermoplastics & composites, out-of-autoclave processing, multi-functional demonstrator capability, cobots, advanced metal bonding

Accordingly, GKN Aerospace operates an inclusive environment which supports diversity, inclusion and belonging and provides all of our employees with the opportunity to develop skills and talents aligned with their own personal objectives while contributing to the future sustainability and success of the business.

We are solidifying our position as a leader in additive technology with this brand-new facility, that houses GKN’s largest AM cell.

Spanning an impressive 100,000 square feet, our state-of-the-art facility serves as a hub for cutting-edge research and development in the field of additive manufacturing. We are focused on laser metal deposition with wire (LMD-w) technology, which enables the production of large-scale titanium aerostructures.

By leveraging advanced techniques and materials, we unlock new possibilities for design, production, and performance. Through our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, we push the boundaries of what is possible, shaping the future of aviation.

Collaboration is at the heart of our operations. We actively engage with partners and stakeholders in the US aerospace ecosystem, fostering synergies that lead to breakthroughs in additive manufacturing. By working together, we accelerate the adoption of this transformative technology, delivering game-changing solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the aerospace sector.