Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • GKN Aerospace welcomes 25 partners to UK GTC

Aerospace

GKN Aerospace welcomes 25 partners to UK GTC

In the first half of 2019 GKN Aerospace broke ground on a 10,000 square metre UK Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Bristol and has secured 25 collaboration partners for the new Centre.

The new GTC - funded by a £17 million commitment from GKN Aerospace and £15 million commitment from the UK Government, through the ATI Programme – is expected to open in 2020. It is GKN Aerospace’s largest UK technology investment to date, announced in December 2018 as part of a record annual technology spend of £75 million for GKN Aerospace and alongside the UK government’s Aerospace Sector Deal.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

 
The concept of an inclusive environment to foster innovation and technical skills development, is proving to be successful, with universities, the UK’s CATAPULT network, GKN Aerospace’s UK supply chain, start-ups as well as large industrial companies joining GKN Aerospace prior to the actual opening. The centre will focus on additive manufacturing (AM), advanced composites, assembly and industry 4.0 processes to enable the high rate production of aircraft structures. The GTC will maintain GKN Aerospace’s position at the forefront of technology development for the next generation of energy efficient aircraft. The facility will serve as a base for GKN Aerospace’s technology partnership in the Airbus’ 'Wing of Tomorrow' technology programme as well as new additive manufacturing industrialisation programmes.
 
Advertisement
Teledyne

Commenting CEO of GKN Aerospace ASEA, John Pritchard said: “We are proud to have taken the next step in the UK GTC development with our groundbreaking in April and we are excited that so many partners have joined us. Our GTC is designed to support GKN Aerospace’s UK workforce and close collaboration with the world-class UK aerospace ecosystem, building on joint expertise, talent and infrastructure. A great example of the UK’s industrial strategy approach, the GTC will take aerospace innovation to the next level and ensure that UK Aerospace industry will continue to operate at the forefront of global aerospace.”
 
In addition to GKN Aerospace and Aerospace Technology Institute, the collaboration partners at the GTC now include: the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Additive Industries B.V., ANSYS UK Limited, ATS Applied Tech Systems Limited, Axillium Research, Blue Bear Systems Research Ltd,Centre for Modelling & Simulation, Digital Catapult, Exechon Enterprises L.L.C., Frazer-Nash Consultancy Limited, KUKA Industries UK Limited, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Materialise UK Limited, National Composites Centre (NCC), PXL Realm Limited, Renishaw plc, Siemens Industry Software Limited, Thales UK Limited, Theta Technologies Ltd.,TriMas Aerospace, University of Bath, University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Sheffield and University of the West of England.

 

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

Aerospace

Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

16 July 2025

An industry and consumer expert group, tasked by the UK Government to advise on how to make flying more accessible for disabled people, has unveiled its suite of recommendations today.

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

Aerospace

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

15 July 2025

Doncasters today announced the successful commissioning of a brand-new, fully automated shell line, at its Groton facility in the US - a major milestone within its 2025 Performance Improvement Plan and a key advancement in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

Aerospace

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

15 July 2025

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft today announced plans to work together on developing regional hydrogen-electric VTOL air travel.

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

Aerospace

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

14 July 2025

Bombardier's development of a new 51,000 sq. ft. paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is progressing with several key processes completed, including ground stabilisation and foundation work on the hangar.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

Aerospace

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

14 July 2025

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has started an investigation into an incident near Southend Airport on Sunday 13th July, involving a 12-metre plane that crashed shortly after take-off.

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

Aerospace

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

14 July 2025

The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick took place last Thursday as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025