GKN Aerospace, the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, has acquired Permanova Lasersystem AB, a pioneering Swedish additive manufacturing system company, as part of its Engines business’ journey to transform its supply chain and provide customers with more sustainable and advanced material solutions.
It is also a significant step forward in the company’s sustainability journey, with additive manufacturing reducing material and energy consumption by up to 80% when compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. The widespread adoption of additive manufacturing will be a critical component of the aerospace industry’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Permanova Lasersystem AB
Permanova Lasersystem AB, headquartered in Gothenburg, is a pioneer in advanced laser technology and cell integration, as well as a current supplier of laser welding and laser metal deposition systems to GKN Aerospace. GKN Aerospace is already a global leader in laser metal deposition for complex engine components, with AM components flying on a variety of platforms today. GKN Aerospace’s additive fabrication offering will be strengthened as a result of the acquisition, which will also accelerate large-scale AM industrialization and enable significant future business growth.
“Permanova represents a perfect strategic fit for us. Additive manufacturing success requires three core capabilities: product know-how, process control and systems design. This acquisition gives us strategic control of the systems design element so that we now have deep expertise in all three areas.”
– Joakim Andersson, President, GKN Aerospace Engine Systems
Andersson added, “That is a game-changer for GKN Aerospace as it will enable us to accelerate the deployment of AM at scale. Ultimately, that will help us grow our shares in existing and future Engine platforms and deliver a more sustainable future for aviation. We have an exciting journey ahead and I am delighted to welcome Permanova to the GKN Aerospace family.”
Håkan Grubb, CEO of Permanova Lasersystem commented, “We are very excited to join the GKN Aerospace family. It is a company we have worked with for many years and have always had a strong partnership with and I am excited to work closely together to bring additive solutions to the market. Permanova Laser system is well recognized for its laser technology and integration expertise and together with GKN Aerospace we look forward to boosting the development of efficient and green fabrication solutions, powering the future of sustainable flight.”
This strategic acquisition also simplifies the company’s supply chain, as Permanova is already a supplier of laser metal deposition systems to GKN Aerospace sites throughout Europe. The investment will help GKN Aerospace and its global customer base grow by enabling more sustainable and cost-effective material solutions.
