GKN Opens New Innovation Centre

The automotive division of GKN has now opened a new UK Innovation Centre that will focus on developing state-of-the-art vehicle technologies and systems. The centre in Abingdon will use GKN’s expertise in electrified drivelines, lightweight structures, composite materials and additive manufacturing for next-generation vehicles.

Central to GKN’s recently-announced Official Partnership with the Panasonic Jaguar Racing Formula E team, the UK Innovation Centre will also lead on delivering new components and technologies for the Jaguar Formula E electric race car. GKN has already delivered its first parts for the I-TYPE 2 in the form of custom-built fluid ports made from laser-sintered steel. The new fluid ports demonstrate GKN’s expertise in additive manufacturing, which can deliver parts that are more durable, have more geometric freedom of design, and are much faster to build. A key area of R&D for future automotive applications is 3D-printed titanium, in which GKN is already a world leader thanks its cutting-edge aerospace division.

“Our new UK Innovation Centre will develop an array of next-generation technologies that will deliver significant benefits to electric vehicle, motorsport and off-highway applications,” said CEO of GKN Driveline, Phil Swash. “I’m particularly pleased to launch this R&D facility in the UK. GKN is a global business but is proud of its UK roots; we are headquartered here, listed here and our Divisions manufacture from 14 sites across the UK. This facility complements our global network and we are excited to start developing the automotive technologies of the future here in Abingdon.”