GKN Aerospace gains Boeing 787 long term production contract

GKN Aerospace has gained a long term production contract with Boeing Commercial Airplanes for the continued supply of structural wing to body and wing to nacelle fittings, manufactured in 5553 grade titanium, for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The initial contract was awarded to GKN Aerospace in 2006 with first deliveries commencing in 2007. This contract extension takes production through to 2020.

The 787 titanium forgings are rough machined and finished at the GKN Aerospace facility in St. Louis, MO, USA. They are delivered to Boeing's 787 final assembly factory in Everett, Wash. and programme partners Fuji Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan for integration into their 787 assemblies.

Kevin Cummings, President and CEO, GKN Aerospace – Aerostructures, North America, stated "This long term agreement strengthens our relationship with Boeing Commercial Airplanes and the 787 programme team. In 2006, we made a significant capital investment which extended our titanium machining capacity in order to support Boeing's requirements. This long term contract from Boeing demonstrates the real success of that strategy for all concerned - GKN Aerospace, Boeing and the 787 programme."