Annual Report 2008 in PDF - GKN

Continuing evolution of powder metal technology
GKN is a world leader in powder metallurgy, a technology
which can produce a wide range of automotive and
industrial components more efficiently and at less cost than
conventional processes such as casting and forging. It is
well placed to serve global markets with operations across
the world; a new plant in Chivilcoy was officially opened by
the President of Argentina during the year.
With around 80% of Powder Metallurgy’s sales to automotive customers, alignment to the developing
technology trends in automotive markets such as improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO 2 emissions is
a key focus of the business.
Latest developments driven by demand for high precision
and the use of new materials have led to successful
contract wins for components such as helical gears
for e-steering systems, ramp thrust drives for torque
vectoring, high strength synchroniser hubs for new
transmissions, and rotor and stator sets for variable valve
timing systems.
Powder metal technology enables a fl exible design of
complex shapes which can be manufactured from a wide
range of material: low alloyed steels for structural parts of
engines and transmissions, stainless steels for corrosion
resistant applications, and special alloys for environments
subject to extreme temperature and corrosive conditions.
In addition, the ferrous based metal powder used
by GKN is manufactured using approximately 98%
recycled steel and is complemented by the ability to
produce components at, or close to, net shape enabling
a reduction in material waste and associated energy
consumption.
Business Review
Automotive
Powder Metallurgy
OffHighway
Aerospace
www.gkn.com 25
Sales*
13%
of total Group sales
£618m
(2007 – £602m)
Trading Profi t/(Loss)*
£(2)m
(2007 – £29m)
* on a management basis