The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place in February 2020 but had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the company said.
The site uses additive manufacturing (AM) to repair low-pressure compressor (LPC) components for the CFM56-5B, CFM56-7 military aircraft engines, and the V2500 engine, which powers commercial aircraft.
Plans are to expand repair options to GTF 24K and CFM engine fan blades in early 2023, as well as research further applications of AM in engine parts repair.
GKN says that the current team of 90 employees will grow to 150 operators in 2023 and further expand to 300 within five years.
“The expansion to Asia is an important part of GKN Aerospace’s long-term growth strategy and global operating model,” a press release said.
The company now operates seven facilities in Asia, covering aerostructures, engine systems, wiring systems and transparencies in China, India, Malaysia and Turkey. When all sites are fully live, around 15% of GKN Aerospace’s employees are expected to be based in Asia, according to GKN.
