GKN Automotive today announced it has moved into a new regional headquarters for the Americas in Auburn Hills. The new facility is home to the company’s GKN Driveline and GKN Sinter Metals divisions.
In addition to serving as regional headquarters for GKN Driveline and GKN Sinter Metals, the new site also houses employees from GKN’s Land Systems and North American Services groups. The 168,000-square-foot facility is located on an 11.2-acre site at 2200 N. Opdyke Road, previously occupied by Showcase Cinema.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills since 1986, GKN has more than 350 employees at the new location. In addition to employees from the previous headquarters, GKN consolidated an additional 40 team members from a facility at 36200 Mound Road in Sterling Heights, Michigan. GKN’s new headquarters complex provides state-of-the-art testing and validation equipment along with additional engineering design areas for driveline and sinter metal products. The new facility provides the company with an additional 20 percent more space for engineering and testing activities.
“Moving into the new facility is an important step in supporting our customers around the world,” said Robert Willig, president, GKN Driveline Americas. “Automakers are looking for supplier partners that can support their business globally and also provide a technical advantage that will increase vehicle performance, improve vehicle efficiency and meet the end customer’s need for performance and functionality. Increasing our engineering resources in terms of equipment and talent will give GKN Driveline a significant competitive edge.”
GKN Driveline is the world’s leading producer of automotive driveline components and systems including constant-velocity-joint, all-wheel-drive, trans-axle and electric-drive systems. GKN Sinter Metals is the world’s largest producer of precision powder-metal products.
GKN officials acknowledged the tremendous support provided for the project by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s office, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Auburn Hills.
“Auburn Hills continues to grow as a hub of economic activity, particularly in the high-tech automotive sector,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “We are proud that GKN Automotive has been a member of our community for nearly 30 years. GKN Automotive is an example of how the Southeast Michigan region and Auburn Hills in particular are remaining on the forefront of manufacturing and technological excellence.”
