GKN Aerospace announces global integration plan

GKN Aerospace (Redditch, U.K.) has announced details of a worldwide reorganization plan to integrate its divisions and create a simpler, more competitive, customer-focused business.

Through acquisitions, the business has reportedly grown rapidly over recent years, increasing in scale from £600 million turnover in 2006 to more than £3.5 billion at the end of 2018. The company has previously been structured with four independent divisions, each focused around products and internal capabilities. In the new structure, GKN Aerospace reports that it will fully integrate as one business, with customer-facing teams and a single, connected network of global sites, all supported by shared services.

“We are creating a single, fully integrated business aligned to our customers’ needs, which will ensure we are better positioned within the competitive global aerospace market,” says Hans Büthker, CEO of GKN Aerospace. “Our rapid growth has brought us world-leading technology, an outstanding global footprint from which to support our customers, a balanced portfolio of work across all major aircraft platforms, and great people. It has also made us relatively complex. By taking the next step and fully integrating, we can begin to realize our full potential.”

The reorganization will take place within the next two years and, following the move to simplify the business, GKN Aerospace’s global headcount is expected to reduce by around 1,000 roles. These will be non-production roles, as the company reduces management and support functions and increases its focus on operations. 

GKN Aerospace first outlined its future intention to integrate via a single global operating model in Quarter 1 last year, and consultation has now begun with key stakeholders on the details of the proposals.

“Looking ahead, when this restructure is complete, we will be simpler, stronger and more successful,” adds Büthker.