GKN Driveline has launched
the first phase of a significant expansion of its operations in Poland, with
the construction of a new production facility.
Phase One, a €16.5 million investment,
supports the growing needs of customers across Europe. GKN says strengthens its
position as the leading driveline technology provider in the region.
About 400 new jobs could be created in
a phased plan over the next four years to support the anticipated growth.
Construction has begun on the new
14,280 square metre production facility, which is expected to be complete by
April 2016.
It will supply major car manufacturers
in Europe and Russia, including Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Volvo, JaguarLandRover,
Mercedes-Benz and FCA.
When Phase One is fully operational it
will have capacity to produce over one million propeller shafts a year.
The facility is being sited adjacent to
GKN’s existing plant in Olesnica, south west Poland, which produces constant
velocity joints (CVJs), and increases the site’s overall footprint by over 50
per cent.
The expansion will also increase GKN’s
Poland driveshaft production capacity to over 10 million units a year.
In addition, the site’s technical
capabilities will be expanded as part of a large investment programme in GKNs
global technology network.
Peter Moelgg president of engineering
for GKN Automotive, describes Olesnica as “a perfect location” for advanced
technology research and development, with outstanding potential engineers and
scientists available from excellent local universities.
Helmuth Rohregger, GKN Driveline president
Europe, adds: “Poland is an increasingly important automotive market,
particularly as automakers expand into Eastern Europe, so this investment
strengthens our position as the leading supplier of driveline technology to
European manufacturers. I’m delighted to be part of this ground breaking
ceremony and I look forward to returning to the site next year when the
facility is complete and operational.”
“Poland has enjoyed remarkable success
since we started operating here nearly 20 years ago and today Olesnica is one
of our most important plants in Europe,” Rohregger adds. “We have developed a
progressive, forward-thinking workforce that always looks towards continuous
improvement, and this investment is testament to the hard work and dedication
of the team over the past 20 years.“
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