GKN Automotive Moves into New Regional Headquarters for the Americas in Auburn Hills, Mich.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN Automotive today announced it has moved into a new regional headquarters for the Americas in Auburn Hills. The new facility is home to the company's GKN Driveline and GKN Sinter Metals divisions.

In addition to serving as regional headquarters for GKN Driveline and GKN Sinter Metals, the new site also houses employees from GKN's Land Systems and North American Services groups. The 168,000-square-foot facility is located on an 11.2-acre site at 2200 N. Opdyke Road, previously occupied by Showcase Cinema.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills since 1986, GKN has more than 350 employees at the new location. In addition to employees from the previous headquarters, GKN consolidated an additional 40 team members from a facility at 36200 Mound Road in Sterling Heights, Mich. GKN's new headquarters complex provides state-of-the-art testing and validation equipment along with additional engineering design areas for driveline and sinter metal products. The new facility provides the company with an additional 20 percent more space for engineering and testing activities.

"Moving into the new facility is an important step in supporting our customers around the world," said Robert Willig, president, GKN Driveline Americas.  "Automakers are looking for supplier partners that can support their business globally and also provide a technical advantage that will increase vehicle performance, improve vehicle efficiency and meet the end customer's need for performance and functionality. Increasing our engineering resources in terms of equipment and talent will give GKN Driveline a significant competitive edge."

Chris Franks, president, GKN Sinter Metals Americas, added: "Our new home is strategically located near many of our global customers and will give us access to the additional resources needed to provide world-class products and customer service. In addition, because we are centrally located in the heart of the automotive capital, we are well positioned to attract additional talent throughout the company."

GKN Driveline is the world's leading producer of automotive driveline components and systems including constant-velocity-joint, all-wheel-drive, trans-axle and electric-drive systems. GKN Sinter Metals is the world's largest producer of precision powder-metal products.

GKN officials acknowledged the tremendous support provided for the project by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's office, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Auburn Hills.

"Auburn Hills continues to grow as a hub of economic activity, particularly in the high-tech automotive sector," said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. "We are proud that GKN Automotive has been a member of our community for nearly 30 years. GKN Automotive is an example of how the Southeast Michigan region and Auburn Hills in particular are remaining on the forefront of manufacturing and technological excellence."

A few interesting facts about GKN's new facility:

• The old Showcase Cinema building foundation and its parking lot were both recycled and used as base material for the new building and parking lot.  All metals from the previous structure were sorted and recycled.
• There are 21 conference rooms in the new building.  All rooms are named after lakes in Michigan.
• The site has been reforested with new trees including more than 25 evergreen trees that are 20 feet or taller along its north property line to give the site a corporate park feel.

ABOUT GKN
GKN plc is a global engineering group – our technologies and products are at the heart of vehicles and aircraft produced by the world's leading manufacturers. GKN operates four divisions: GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy, GKN Aerospace and GKN Land Systems. Approximately 50,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. We harness our considerable technology and manufacturing resources to supply the highest quality systems, structures, components and services. For more information, please visit www.gkn.com

ABOUT GKN DRIVELINE
GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive driveline components and systems. As a global company serving the world's leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components – for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics. GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of CVJ Systems, AWD Systems, Trans Axle Solutions and eDrive Systems and operates in 22 countries at 45 manufacturing  locations employing approximately 24,000 people. For more information, please visit www.gkndriveline.com

ABOUT GKN SINTER METALS
GKN Sinter Metals is the world's largest producer of precision powder metal products. With a focus on superior delivery, quality and total solutions, the company offers extensive technical expertise in design, testing and various process technologies. GKN Sinter Metals offers a full range of complex shapes and high strength products for automotive, industrial and consumer markets worldwide. The company's global footprint spans more than 13 countries across five continents. GKN Sinter Metals is in close proximity to its customers with more than 30 global locations and more than 6,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.gknsintermetals.com

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SOURCE GKN Automotive

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