GKN Aerospace is to cut about 1,000 jobs over the next two years under a reshaping effort intended to simplify its operations.
The company – which employs around 18,000 personnel – says the cuts will be made in non-production areas, in order to reduce management complexity.
It has not ruled out redundancies but says it plans to achieve "as much of this reduction as possible" through natural attrition and redeployment.
GKN Aerospace says it wants to improve operational performance and become "more customer-focused" following several years of acquisition-based expansion.
Four independent internal divisions will be transformed into a single integrated business, the company adds, to give it a better competitive position.
Chief executive Hans Buthker says the acquisition strategy, while providing a "balanced" portfolio over various aircraft types, has resulted in the company's becoming "relatively complex".
"The reduction in roles is difficult for all involved and we will work closely with works councils and social partners in all our key regions over the coming months to minimise the impact wherever possible," he adds.
But Buthker says that the company will emerge "simpler, stronger and more successful" with standardised processes and systems.
"We will be able to collaborate and share best practice more effectively across our network of sites," he says. "We will be able to offer our full range of technology to customers via clear customer-facing teams."
GKN Aerospace's parent organisation was taken over by investor Melrose last year.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
