GKN Aerospace to Expand Additive Manufacturing capabilities in Norway

• GKN Aerospace to invest in advanced additive manufacturing capabilities at its engines centre of excellence in Kongsberg
• Norwegian Catapult Manufacturing Technology in Kongsberg and The Industrial Growth Company (SIVA) to co-invest NOK 12 million (almost £1 million) to strengthen Norway’s position in sustainable industrial innovation
• Partnership accelerates industrial adoption of additive manufacturing and supports GKN Aerospace’s global additive expansion strategy

GKN Aerospace Norway and Norwegian Catapult Manufacturing Technology in Kongsberg (Kongsberg Technology Cluster) have signed a strategic agreement to invest in and expand advanced additive manufacturing capabilities at GKN Aerospace’s engines facility in Kongsberg.

Additive manufacturing reduces material waste, shortens supply chains, and lowers environmental impact. Through this collaboration, Norwegian Catapult and GKN Aerospace will accelerate industrial adoption of additive manufacturing and build a platform for advanced, sustainable additive manufacturing in Norway.

This agreement marks the next step in the continued expansion of GKN Aerospace’s global additive manufacturing capability, following recent investments in Sweden and the USA. By partnering with Norwegian Catapult, GKN Aerospace is reinforcing its strategy to expand capacity, accelerate innovation, and bring advanced additive manufacturing closer to customers, while simultaneously supporting Norway’s ambition to lead in sustainable industrial innovation and development.

Sébastien Aknouche, Senior Vice President, Material Solutions, GKN Aerospace, added: “Additive manufacturing is a cornerstone of our vision for the future of aerospace. This partnership with Norwegian Catapult enables us to fully industrialise additive technology and bring sustainable, high-performance solutions closer to our customers.”

Ole B. Hoen, Head of Kongsberg Technology Cluster, said: “Together with GKN Aerospace, we are building a platform for future-oriented manufacturing in Norway. This collaboration combines world-class expertise with a shared ambition to drive technological progress and support a greener industry. By co-investing in this initiative, we ensure that the unique infrastructure and competence GKN Aerospace now gets in Kongsberg becomes available to the broader Norwegian Industry who will follow in GKN Aerospace’s footsteps through learning and testing in the Catapult”

The agreement supports GKN Aerospace’s long-term strategy to expand its global additive manufacturing capabilities, including broader investments in advanced machinery, hardware, and industrial infrastructure. This growth is central to the company’s technology roadmap. GKN Aerospace’s proprietary additive manufacturing technologies enable breakthrough methods for producing critical components for many of the world’s leading aerospace engines. Strengthening its centre of excellence in Kongsberg enhances the company’s ability to meet rising demand from engine OEMs and reinforces GKN Aerospace’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in next-generation engine manufacturing.

Notes to editors

GKN Aerospace is a global multi-technology leader in the aerospace industry, specialising in the development and delivery of cutting-edge aerostructures and engine systems. Our unrivalled products, systems, and services are integral to 90% of today’s aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to state-of-the-art fighter aircraft.

Our commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology is evident in the application of lightweight composites, additive fabrication, electrical wiring interconnection systems, and ground-breaking engine systems, reducing both weight and cost in today’s aircraft and engines. GKN Aerospace is at the forefront of sustainable technology, developing breakthrough solutions to achieve emission-free flight. Our global technology centres collaborate with industry partners around the world to accelerate the development of pioneering technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight.

Operating in 12 countries, GKN Aerospace employs a workforce of 16,000 employees across more than 30 locations. GKN Aerospace has global sales of £3.4bn and is listed under its parent company name Melrose Industries PLC (LSE:MRO).

Source: GKN AEROSPACE