GKN Driveline boosted by BMW order
BIRMINGHAM-based GKN Driveline has secured a major order for its all-wheel drive systems. The firm, a subsidiary of Redditch-based GKN, has been selected to supply the front axle for a number of BMW X Series Sports Activity Vehicles.
The axle is a key part of the system for crossover SUVs that transforms the typically rear-wheel drive vehicles to all-wheel drive and BMW has been keen to incorporate the system into its vehicles for some time to enhance its presence in the crossover sector.
The deal will see the GKN Driveline plant in Newton, North Carolina, supply front final drive units (FDUs) for the current X3 from this month and other high performance X models later this year.
BMW awarded the FDU business to GKN following a process which included a visit to the Newton plant last year. The Newton facility currently supplies innovative all-wheel drive systems, including FDUs, to several global car manufacturers for a range of high performance all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles.
GKN Driveline also currently supplies sideshafts for the X Series models, as well as torque-vectoring units.
Andrew Reynolds Smith, chief executive GKN Automotive, said: “We are delighted that we can use our global footprint, operational excellence and technology to expand our partnership with BMW.
“We are looking forward to increasing our presence on this exciting platform through our engineering and manufacturing capability, and continuing high levels of service.”
GKN Driveline Newton employees more than 650 people and sold over 1,000,000 units in 2012.
It said the BMW programme would result in sustained growth in sales, manpower and production at the plant and would help with its transition from an AWD component facility to an AWD (all-wheel drive) solutions provider.
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, it develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components. These are used in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle.
The firm produces a varied of driveline solutions and operates in 22 countries at 56 locations employing 22,000 people.
