GKN Aerospace commences work today on the creation of a new state of the art manufacturing facility at Bristol in the UK. This facility will form a key part of GKN Aerospace-Filton as it becomes a global centre of excellence in composite aircraft wing structures.

GKN Aerospace Chief Executive, Marcus Bryson comments: "Today we are beginning our work to fulfill the commitments we made to extend the capacity and the skills base of our Bristol operation. And I must acknowledge that our success in reaching this landmark day is in good measure due to the strong and consistent support of both BERR* and SWERDA**. So today, representatives of local and national government, and of our customers, employees and suppliers are all able to witness the start of phase one of this major development programme - a programme that we believe will ensure the long term future of the Filton operation and workforce."

The new site, known as Filton-West, will be under the management of the recently acquired GKN Aerospace - Filton. 'Filton-West' will house a state-of-the-art automated composites manufacturing operation that will incorporate production techniques that represent the future of composites manufacture in aviation. Starting in January 2010 this new plant will manufacture wing spars and trailing edge assemblies for the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft.

Bryson continues: "With the addition of this facility, we will be able commence our significant package of work for the A350 and begin activity to support an extended customer base. We are investing in our workforce and facilities here in Bristol, positioning the entire operation to be ready to support a wide range of customers and to take a significant part of the global wing structures market, including Next Generation Single Aisle (NGSA) programmes, over the next 30 - 40 years.

GKN Aerospace - Filton has 1500 employees. GKN Aerospace - Filton West is expected to add up to 250 jobs in the coming decade Staff at GKN Aerospace - Filton will be trained in advanced composites manufacturing techniques that are at the forefront the technological developments in aerospace today. GKN Aerospace - Filton will be the focus of the Company's A350 XWB participation, producing the A350 XWB wing rear spar and trailing edge assemblies.