GKN Driveline to Invest $179 Million to Expand North Carolina Manufacturing Facilities

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN Driveline, the global leader in contemporary and electrified driveline technologies, today announced it will invest nearly $179 million to expand manufacturing facilities in Alamance, Catawba, Lee and Person counties in North Carolina. The investment will occur over the next five years and will create 302 jobs.

The investment and new jobs have been added to support growing All-Wheel-Drive and eDrive business for several North American automotive manufacturers. North American All-Wheel-Drive system sales are projected to reach more than 3 million units annually in 2020, up from approximately 2.4 million in 2015.

"Our investment in North Carolina is an important step forward for GKN Driveline, our automotive customers and the communities our team members call home," said Phil Swash, CEO, GKN Driveline. "GKN Driveline is well-positioned to take advantage of car buyer demand for All-Wheel Drive systems and our investment in North Carolina is an important part of our long-term growth strategy."

GKN Driveline's expansions in Alamance, Lee and Person counties will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG). Under the terms of the JDIG, GKN is eligible to receive up to $1,539,000 in total reimbursements over 12 years.

The company's expansion in Catawba County, facilitated through a separate JDIG, makes GKN eligible to receive up to $1,587,600 over 12 years. The state's Economic Investment Committee approved both grants earlier today.

"We appreciate the hard work and support of Governor Pat McCrory and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) for working so diligently to get these grants approved," Phil Swash, CEO, GKN Driveline said. "North Carolina has been home to GKN since 1978 and continues to create and provide an outstanding environment to help manufacturers succeed. We look forward to our continued success and contributions to  the economy here."  

ABOUT GKN
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has four divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Land Systems, which operate in the aerospace, automotive and land systems markets. Over 50,000 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 GBP7.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2014.

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.

SOURCE GKN Driveline