GKN Driveline Sees Continued Growth in Mexico

CELAYA, Mexico, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN Driveline expects to continue to grow its Mexican operations at a double-digit rate through to 2015.

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Speaking at a media briefing at GKN Driveline's manufacturing and technical centre in Celaya, Fidel Otake, GKN Driveline Mexico's managing director said the company will manufacture nine million CVJ Systems by 2015, up from three million in 2005.

"Mexico is a very important growth market for GKN Driveline," said Fidel Otake.  "We have invested over US$100 million (1.4 billion Pesos) in our Mexican operations since 2005.  This has allowed us to more efficiently serve our growing customer base throughout the region."

During this period, GKN Driveline has expanded the manufacturing facility, opened a technical centre and built a new state-of-the art precision forge all in Celaya.  In nearby Villagran, a new assembly facility has also opened.

GKN Driveline supplies its world-leading driveline systems and solutions to 10 vehicle makers in 16 cities throughout Mexico.

"Strategically located for our customers helps minimise dependence on imports," Fidel Otake continued.  This helps to ensure that our customers, the vehicle manufacturers, receive uninterrupted supplies of the highest quality, most technologically advanced driveline systems available anywhere in the world."

GKN Driveline established a joint venture in Mexico in 1979 and acquired full ownership of the business in 2005.  Today GKN Driveline employs 1650 people at its three facilities. 

CVJ Systems

• GKN Driveline's constant velocity joint systems provide space, weight and fuel savings with greater all round efficiency.
• GKN Driveline supplies the most extensive range of CVJ systems – used in the smallest ultra-low cost car through to the most sophisticated premium vehicle. 

AWD Systems

• GKN Driveline has full all-wheel drive systems capability
• GKN Driveline's all-wheel drive couplings improve vehicle handling, stability and traction by intelligently distributing power and disconnecting technology can reduce drag and inertia for ultimate efficiency.

Trans Axle Solutions

• GKN Driveline produces highly durable open differentials and has the most extensive range of limited slip differentials, from the smallest super LSD to the largest electronically controlled axle locker
• For the ultimate capability, GKN Driveline's torque vectoring solutions provide the answer

eDrive Systems

• GKN Driveline's pioneering electric drive technology is used in 250,000 vehicles today
• GKN Driveline's eDrives are designed for the new generation of fuel efficient, low emission electric and hybrid vehicles

About GKN Driveline

GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive driveline systems and solutions. As a global business serving the leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline systems – 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.

www.gkndriveline.com

About GKN Driveline in Mexico

GKN Driveline in Mexico has grown continuously since it started production of CVJ Systems in Celaya in 1979.  A state-of-the-art technology centre opened in 1997.  In addition a precision forge was established in 2000, producing a wide variety of extrusions.

To support the growing market for CVJ Systems in Mexico and the US an assembly facility opened in 2006 at Villagran.

About GKN Group

GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, aerospace and land systems markets. It has operations in more than 30 countries, around 40,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of 4.5 billion pounds Sterling in the year to 31 December 2010. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN).

www.gkn.com

SOURCE GKN Driveline