GKN Aerospace acquires AM machine supplier Permanova Lasersystem
October 13, 2022
GKN Aerospace has announced that it has acquired Permanova Lasersystem AB, Gothenburg, Sweden, a provider of advanced laser technology solutions and Additive Manufacturing machines. The acquisition is reported to be part of GKN Aerospace’s Engines business aim to transform its supply chain and offer more sustainable and advanced material solutions.
Permanova Lasersystem is a supplier of laser welding and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing machines to GKN Aerospace. The company states that the acquisition will strengthen its Additive Manufacturing offering, accelerate large-scale AM industrialisation and enable significant business growth.
GKN Aerospace also notes that this is a major milestone in its sustainability journey, with Additive Manufacturing reducing material and energy usage by up to 80% compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. The widespread adoption of AM will be an important aspect of the aerospace industry’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“Permanova represents a perfect strategic fit for us. Additive Manufacturing success requires three core capabilities: product know-how, process control and systems design,” stated Joakim Andersson, Engines president. “This acquisition gives us strategic control of the systems design element so that we now have deep expertise in all three areas. 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, stated, “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 recognised 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.”
