Geoff Thomas
Anticipating the era of consolidation and acquisition in the aerospace industry worldwide, Britain's GKN Westland Aerospace has just completed an intensive two-year programme of strategic acquisitions.
This includes companies in the USA, Germany and the UK, building a global supplier to the world's aerospace prime contractors and engine makers.
Chief executive Chris Gustar says: "We are setting the pace among subcontractors in consolidating on a global scale. We now have the global presence near our customers, the depth of technology and the breadth of manufacturing processes, coupled to greater corporate strength, to take advantage of these opportunities."
Transformed
The acquisition programme has transformed GKN Westland Aerospace from a UK-based company with a turnover of $100 million and 2,000 employees in 1997 into a global company with a turnover of $700 million and 6,000 employees in 1999.
Customers include the major North American and European prime contractors and engine makers and important programmes include Airbus A340-500/600, Dassault Falcon 50, Bombardier Continental, Lockheed Martin C-130J and C-27J, Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-22.
The company's stand (Hall 2, C15) includes four individual displays featuring RTM engine structures, engine compressor cases/fan ducts, canopy technology and engine controls/actuators.
Much of its work on the F-22 cannot be displayed due to US Department of Defense restrictions.
Source: Flight Daily News
