AdvanceCT announces that GKN Aerospace is expanding its manufacturing center in Newington, Connecticut, one of its primary facilities in the U.S. and one of two located in Connecticut.
GKN Aerospace’s Newington facility is primarily focused on manufacturing, including the addition of a production line for a new additively fabricated engine component, building on GKN Aerospace’s proven track record with additive components already flying on multiple platforms. This technology was originally developed in Sweden and is being expanded to Connecticut.
GKN Aerospace’s expansion of this advanced capability in Connecticut was driven by the company’s strategic decision to position these critical operations closer to its large customers. Manufacturers like GKN are closing supply chain gaps, and customers benefit from a tighter collaboration approach to design and developing new solutions to complex challenges.
As a result of this expansion of GKN Aerospace’s production capacity in the State of Connecticut, the company has received an award from the State’s Strategic Supply Chain Initiative. The company will receive a $2.5 million grant to enhance its production capacity and bring manufacturing operations from outside the United States to Connecticut.
Sebastien Aknouche, Senior Vice President Material Solutions at GKN Aerospace, said: “This expansion marks an exciting step forward for GKN Aerospace as we introduce our latest additive fabrication technology in Connecticut. The strong support from the state, combined with the outstanding skills of the local workforce and the availability of an aerospace network, makes this the perfect location to bring this innovation into production. Together, we are creating new jobs, advancing the way critical aerospace components are built, and strengthening our longstanding partnerships with customers and the community.”
“Retaining and advancing our expertise in NDT, fabrication, and welding is critical to GKN Aerospace Newington’s ability to support our customers' programs. These capabilities also strengthen our performance across existing products and customer commitments, driving improvements in quality and delivery. The integration of this technology reflects the resilience of our business and GKN’s agility in adapting to the evolving demands of the aerospace industry”, commented Sergio Moren, Vice President North American East Site Operations at GKN Aerospace.
Earlier this summer, a delegation from Connecticut that included Governor Lamont and representatives from the Department of Economic & Community Development and AdvanceCT attended the Paris Air Show in part to meet with major international manufacturers with a Connecticut presence, which included GKN Aerospace.
“GKN Aerospace is a strategic global supplier to the aerospace industry,” said Daniel O’Keefe, Commissioner of Economic Development for Connecticut. “GKN’s expansion is bringing nextgeneration technology to our state. Their ongoing investment in Connecticut underscores the important role our state plays in the global aerospace industry.”
“GKN Aerospace is the latest acknowledgement by international companies of the unparalleled advantages that Connecticut has to offer to global aerospace firms,” said John Bourdeaux, President and CEO of AdvanceCT.
“As the number one location for aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing in the U.S., companies like GKN Aerospace know that if you are looking to revolutionize the industry and disrupt convention, then Connecticut is the place to do it. We are grateful to GKN Aerospace for the trust that they have placed in the expertise of Connecticut’s aerospace workers and the impact of our state on the industry, and we are looking forward to partnering with them on the next two phases of this project.”
GKN Aerospace has two manufacturing centers in Connecticut, including a location in Cromwell.