GKN Driveline Opens 10,000 square-foot Test Center at Smithers Winter Test Facility in Brimley, Mich.

The facility is adjacent to the Smithers Rapra winter test track and features a main bay with four vehicle hoists and three private garages. Each garage features its own entrance, ensuring privacy and security for GKN Driveline Customers.

The SWTC facility gives GKN Driveline three winter test facilities around the world. The company currently operates winter test facilities in Sweden and China.

"All-wheel-drive technology continues to grow in overall consumer acceptance and demand and has emerged as a key product differentiator for vehicle manufacturers," said Gavin Streather, Senior Director, Global Engineering Processes and Systems at GKN Driveline, who will oversee the facility's operation. "The private facility will allow our engineers to collaborate with customer engineering teams to develop and tune all-wheel-drive systems that meet unique brand characteristics for a variety of vehicles."

Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the SWTC is a world-class facility ideal for testing and evaluating vehicles under the special challenges of extreme cold and hazardous road conditions. The facility features more than 750 acres of snow, ice and bare pavement and is ideal for testing a variety of vehicle types ranging from small automobiles to Class 8 trucks.

"Smithers Rapra is thrilled that GKN is expanding their presence at the winter test center," said Jim Popio, PhD., Vice President, Smithers Rapra. "We look forward to engaging with them for years to come as they continue to test their driveline technologies."

ABOUT GKN

GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has three divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline and GKN Powder Metallurgy, which operate in the aerospace and automotive markets. Over 55,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of GBP7.7 billion in the year to 31 December 2015.

ABOUT GKN DRIVELINE

GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive driveline technology 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 technologies – 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 23 countries at 46 locations employing approximately 25,500 people.

ABOUT SMITHERS RAPRA

Smithers Rapra has been a trusted partner of the plastics and rubber industries for over 90 years. Our business is built around delivering a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic testing services to support a wide range of industry sectors including tire, automotive, polymer products, oil and gas, medical device, pharmaceutical, transport, packaging, industrial, and consumer products. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the lifecycle of our clients' products.

SOURCE GKN Driveline