GKN Aerospace acquires additive systems leader to make a step change in industry sustainability

GKN Aerospace has acquired a pioneering Swedish additive manufacturing system business, as part of its Engines business’s journey to transform its supply chain and offer more sustainable and advanced material solutions to customers.

Permanova Lasersystem AB, based in Gothenburg, is a leader in advanced laser technology and cell integration and a current supplier of laser welding and laser metal deposition systems to GKN Aerospace. GKN Aerospace is already a world-leader in laser metal deposition for complex engine components, with AM components flying today on multiple platforms. The acquisition will strengthen GKN Aerospace’s additive fabrication offer, accelerate large scale AM industrialisation and enable significant future business growth.

It is also a major milestone in its sustainability journey, with additive manufacturing reducing material and energy usage by up to 80% compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. The widespread adoption of AM will be an important aspect of the aerospace industry’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Engines President, Joakim Andersson, said: “Permanova represents a perfect strategic fit for us. Additive manufacturing success requires three core capabilities: product know-how, process control and systems design. This acquisition gives us strategic control of the systems design element so that we now have deep expertise in all three areas. That is a game-changer for GKN Aerospace as it will enable us to accelerate the deployment of AM at scale. Ultimately, that will help us grow our shares in existing and future Engine platforms and deliver a more sustainable future for aviation. We have an exciting journey ahead and I am delighted to welcome Permanova to the GKN Aerospace family.”

Håkan Grubb, CEO of Permanova Lasersystem added: “We are very excited to join the GKN Aerospace family. It is a company we have worked with for many years and have always had a strong partnership with and I am excited to work closely together to bring additive solutions to the market. Permanova Laser system is well recognised for its laser technology and integration expertise and together with GKN Aerospace we look forward to boosting the development of efficient and green fabrication solutions, powering the future of sustainable flight.”