What Does GKN plc Do?

Total employees19514
HeadquartersLondon
Founded1759

GKN is a globally renowned engineering group with a rich heritage, now operating as key divisions under Melrose Industries PLC. It primarily comprises GKN Aerospace, a leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, and GKN Automotive, a global leader in driveline systems and ePowertrain technologies. GKN Powder Metallurgy is another significant business, specializing in powder metal solutions. These businesses focus on designing, manufacturing, and servicing systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the world, driving innovation in sustainable aviation and vehicle electrification.

Where Is GKN plc's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the strategic command center for GKN Automotive and the overarching Melrose Industries group, overseeing global operations, investment, and corporate strategy for its engineering divisions.

Notable Features:

The Colmore Building is a modern, BREEAM 'Excellent' rated office building in Birmingham's business district, reflecting a contemporary and sustainable approach. Note: GKN Automotive specific HQ is in London, but Melrose often lists Birmingham for some central functions.

Work Culture:

A dynamic, results-oriented environment focused on engineering excellence, innovation, and delivering value. Emphasis on lean operations and continuous improvement, characteristic of Melrose's ownership.

HQ Significance:

The London HQ signifies GKN Automotive's global reach and its integration within the Melrose Industries structure, focusing on driving growth and technological leadership in the automotive sector.

Values Reflected in HQ: Innovation, global leadership, operational efficiency, and a forward-looking approach to engineering challenges in the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Location:

GKN, through its Aerospace and Automotive divisions, maintains a significant global footprint with manufacturing sites, engineering centers, and sales offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. This extensive network enables GKN to serve its global customer base effectively, providing advanced engineering solutions, components, and services to the world's leading automotive and aerospace manufacturers. Functions supported globally include R&D, design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and aftermarket services.

Street Address:

1st Floor, The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus Queensway (GKN Automotive & Melrose PLC)

City:

London

State/Province:

N/A

Country:

United Kingdom

Where Else Does GKN plc Operate Around the World?

Solihull, West Midlands, UK

Address: Sapphire Court, Coventry Road, Solihull, B26 3JA, UK

Serves as the nerve center for GKN Aerospace's global operations, coordinating activities across its numerous manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide, focusing on aerostructures, engine systems, and special technologies.

Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA

Address: 2400 N Opdyke Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA

Critical hub for serving major automotive OEMs in North America, driving innovation in vehicle dynamics, efficiency, and electrification for the region.

Shanghai, China

Address: Building 1, No. 500 Dalian Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China

Strategically positioned to support the expansion of eDrive technologies and conventional driveline systems in China and the wider Asia-Pacific market, catering to both domestic and international OEMs.

Papendrecht, Netherlands

Address: Industrieweg 12, 3351 LB Papendrecht, Netherlands

Center of excellence for lightweight structures, wiring systems, and landing gear, serving as a vital part of the European aerospace supply chain.

Buying Intent Signals for GKN plc

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading GKN plc? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, GKN plc' leadership includes:

Peter Dilnot - Chief Executive Officer, Melrose Industries PLC (Parent Company)
Markus Bannert - Chief Executive Officer, GKN Automotive
Joerg Fruhauf - Interim Chief Executive Officer, GKN Aerospace
Matthew Gregory - Chief Financial Officer, Melrose Industries PLC (Parent Company)

Who's Investing in GKN plc?

GKN plc has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Melrose Industries PLC (LSE: MRO) and its institutional shareholders.
Major institutional investors in Melrose Industries include Artemis Investment Management LLP, BlackRock, Inc., Invesco Ltd., The Vanguard Group, Inc., and other global asset managers.

What Leadership Changes Has GKN plc Seen Recently?

Hire2
Exits2

GKN's divisions have seen key leadership transitions in the past year, notably with new CEOs appointed for GKN Automotive and GKN Aerospace (interim) to steer their respective strategic directions under Melrose Industries.

Departures

Liam Butterworth, Liam Butterworth stepped down as CEO of GKN Automotive.
David Paja, David Paja departed from his role as CEO of GKN Aerospace.

New Appointments:

Markus Bannert, Markus Bannert took the helm at GKN Automotive, tasked with advancing its leadership in automotive propulsion technologies.
Joerg Fruhauf, Joerg Fruhauf assumed the Interim CEO position at GKN Aerospace to guide its strategic initiatives and operational performance.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byGKN plc?

Discover the tools GKN plc uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

GKN plc Email Formats and Examples

GKN employees, particularly within its major divisions like GKN Aerospace and GKN Automotive, generally use standardized email formats. The most common pattern is `firstname.lastname` followed by the divisional domain.

firstname.lastname@division.gkn.com (e.g., firstname.lastname@gknautomotive.com or firstname.lastname@gknaerospace.com)

Format

jane.doe@gknautomotive.com

Example

80%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About GKN plc?

GKN Aerospace Press ReleaseMay 22, 2024

GKN Aerospace delivers first F-35 empennage from new Netherlands facility

GKN Aerospace announced the delivery of the first F-35 empennage (tail section) from its new advanced manufacturing facility in Hoogeveen, Netherlands. This marks a significant milestone in its contribution to the F-35 fighter jet program....more

GKN Automotive Press ReleaseApril 16, 2024

GKN Automotive powers major new EV platform from global OEM

GKN Automotive announced it is supplying its advanced eDrive technology for a major new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform from a leading global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This highlights GKN Automotive's key role in the transition to electric mobility....more

Melrose Industries PLC AnnouncementJanuary 8, 2024

GKN Automotive CEO Appointment

Melrose Industries announced the appointment of Markus Bannert as the new Chief Executive Officer of GKN Automotive, effective from 1 January 2024, succeeding Liam Butterworth....more

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