GKN Aerospace opens at Filton

 Aerospace manufacturing is set to enter a new era with the opening of a new manufacturing unit in Filton, Bristol. This multi-million pound investment is as a result of GKN’s recent takeover of the wing component and assemblies manufacturing unit at the site from Airbus. The development of the unit by GKN will make a significant contribution to the region’s sustainable economy thanks to their commitment to using light-weight carbon composite materials in the manufacture of the new Airbus A350XWB. This will ensure that emissions from this model will be much lower than that of a standard aircraft. In addition SWRDA is investing £8m in the Airbus-led Next Generation Composite Wing project. Such significant developments will work towards guaranteeing the position of the South West region as a major player in the aerospace sector and ensure that many important jobs are safeguarded.