GKN Aerospace Norway has signed a strategic agreement with Norwegian Catapult Manufacturing Technology (Norwegian Catapult) in Kongsberg to expand advanced additive manufacturing at GKN Aerospace’s engines facility in Kongsberg. The partnership aims to accelerate Norway’s industrial adoption of additive technologies, which significantly reduce material waste, shorten supply chains, and lessen environmental impact. By developing shared capabilities, the two organisations intend to create a national platform for advanced and sustainable additive manufacturing.
This agreement marks the latest step in GKN Aerospace’s global expansion of additive manufacturing, following recent investments in Sweden and the United States. Working with Norwegian Catapult strengthens GKN Aerospace’s strategy to increase capacity, speed up innovation, and bring advanced manufacturing technologies closer to its customer base. It also supports Norway’s ambition to become a leader in sustainable industrial development and next-generation production technologies.
Sébastien Aknouche, Senior Vice President for Material Solutions at GKN Aerospace, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that additive manufacturing is central to the company’s vision for the future of aerospace. He emphasised that the collaboration would help fully industrialise additive technology and deliver sustainable, high-performance solutions more efficiently to customers.
The agreement forms part of GKN Aerospace’s broader long-term strategy to grow its global additive manufacturing capability. This includes increased investment in advanced machinery, hardware, and industrial infrastructure. Additive manufacturing is a key pillar of the company’s technology roadmap, enabling innovative approaches to producing critical components for many of the world’s leading aerospace engines.
By strengthening its centre of excellence in Kongsberg, GKN Aerospace aims to meet rising demand from engine manufacturers while enhancing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in next-generation engine production.
