A milestone was celebrated this month as the GKN Sinter Metals plant in Bonn celebrated its 80th anniversary as an industry-leader.
Business partners, customers and politicians all attended the anniversary celebrations, which included a presentation of the site“s history and a tour of the modern production facility.
The historical roots of today“s production facility can be traced back to 1934, when „Ringsdorff-Werke“ opened a new plant for sintered bearings. Molded coal plates were previously produced there from copper and graphite powder – the starting point for the subsequent sintering production.
Matthias Voss, managing director of GKN Sinter Metals Components GmbH, said: „The choice of the location was right and the Bonn plant has developed and grown steadily in the recent years. In 2015 we are planning to expand our production area by 2,500m² – so we will not only create the foundation for the production of new components but also for new jobs in Bonn.“
The Mayor of Bonn, Jürgen Nimptsch, added: „Today“s 80th anniversary celebrations emphasize how important it is for the region to have innovative and responsible businesses like GKN, who promote talented young people.“
Former plant manager Antonio Casellas retold the history of the plant, describing the strong loyalty of the employees towards GKN and outlining the economic highs and lows that the business has witnessed.
One of these highlights was achieved earlier this year, when the plant supplied leading customer Johnson Controls (formerly Keiper) with its one billionth „Keiper wedge“ part – all produced with zero defects. Dr. Heinz Voss from Johnson Controls was one of the customers who attended the event.
„I am impressed by the presentations,“ said Voss, Johnson Controls“ Vice President Global Engineering – Product Group Metals & Mechanisms Automotive Seating. „I“ve learned many interesting facts about the past and even more impressive future plans for powder metallurgy, which has huge potential!“
GKN Sinter Metals Bonn employs about 550 employees and produces around 320 million sintered components annually for clients worldwide.
About GKN Sinter Metals
GKN Sinter Metals is the world’s largest producer of precision powder metal products. With a focus on superior delivery, quality and total solutions, the company offers extensive technical expertise in design, testing and various process technologies. GKN Sinter Metals offers a full range of complex shapes and high strength products for automotive, industrial and consumer markets worldwide. The company’s global footprint spans more than 13 countries across five continents. GKN Sinter Metals is in close proximity to its customers with more than 30 global locations and more than 6,000 employees.
About GKN plc
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. Approximately 49,700 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 GBP 7.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2013.
Kontakt
GKN Sinter Metals
Susanne Hütter
Am Fliegerhorst 9
99947 Bad Langensalza
03603895980
susanne.huetter@gknsintermetals.com
http://www.gkn.com/sintermetals
