ASG Aerospace welcomes GKN Aerospace investment as industry adds manufacturing capacity

Source: GKN Aerospace

ASG Aerospace has welcomed GKN Aerospace’s latest investment in manufacturing capacity, as the company prepares to triple the size of its North Charlestown operation in the United States.

GKN Aerospace is investing $16 million in the New Hampshire facility, adding approximately 57,000 sq ft and creating a new production cell for high-performance compressor blades and vanes. The expansion will triple the site’s existing footprint and create skilled manufacturing jobs, while increasing GKN Aerospace’s capacity to support current production and future engine programmes.

For ASG Aerospace CEO Simon Weston, the investment reflects the work taking place throughout the aerospace supply chain as manufacturers prepare for sustained demand across civil and defence programmes.

“Investment in manufacturing capacity is taking place across aerospace, and GKN Aerospace’s expansion in New Hampshire is another good example of that,” said Weston.

“The industry is planning for substantial production requirements over the coming years. That creates a need for additional capacity, modern equipment and skilled people throughout the supply chain.”

GKN Aerospace said the expanded North Charlestown operation will focus on complex aero-engine components, combining its precision machining expertise with advanced forging capability at the company’s Muncie facility in Indiana. The company is also bringing key manufacturing processes in-house as part of the development, with the investment designed to provide greater production agility and an integrated manufacturing route for critical engine components.

The move comes as demand for compressor blades and vanes places additional requirements on industry capacity. ASG Aerospace has been pursuing its own programme of investment in response to the changing production environment. More than £10 million has been invested across the Group over the past two years, covering new machinery, automation, long-bed machining capability and manufacturing infrastructure.

Weston believes investment across different tiers of the supply chain will be an important part of supporting the programmes now moving through the aerospace industry.

“There is a clear relationship between the order activity we are seeing from aircraft and engine manufacturers and the investment being made further through the supply chain,” he said.

“Manufacturers need the capability to turn those programmes into production. For ASG Aerospace, that means continuing to invest in our sites, our equipment and our people so that we have the capacity our customers require. It is encouraging to see companies such as GKN Aerospace making substantial commitments to advanced manufacturing. Investment across the sector strengthens the industrial base that ultimately supports the growth of aerospace worldwide.”

GKN Aerospace said its North Charlestown expansion will support both existing production and opportunities on future engine platforms, while strengthening its manufacturing footprint in the United States.

The project adds to a wider programme of capital investment taking place across the aerospace sector as manufacturers build the capacity required for the next phase of aircraft and engine production.