GKN Driveline Expands In Mexico

CELAYA, Mexico--Sept. 18, 2013: GKN Driveline continues its commitment to development in Mexico with the expansion of a key manufacturing plant in Villagran.

GKN Chief Executive Nigel Stein and GKN Automotive CEO Andy Reynolds Smith led inauguration ceremonies for the expanded facility which supports new business "wins" and expected future growth in the region.

"Mexico is a significant growth market for GKN and this is an important step as we continue to grow by leveraging GKN's global footprint," said Stein.

The 8,000-square-meter expansion, which is expected to create 250 jobs in the area, primarily will produce constant velocity joint (CVJ) systems, but also includes a new product development facility and will increase the annual production of sideshafts from 7.5 million units today to 9.5 million units in 2015.

"We have invested more than $233 million (3.2 billion pesos) in our Mexican operations since 2005," added Fidel Otake, operations director, GKN Driveline Mexico. "We are proud to be able to increase the number of skilled trade workers in the region."

Bob Willig president, GKN Driveline Americas, continued: "This expansion allows us to fully support our customers in this fast growing region. The new product development center brings increased opportunity for local innovation to create customer focused systems and solutions."

GKN Driveline Villagran was established in 2006 and, together with GKN Driveline's Celaya plants, is one of three facilities across the country employing a total of 1,850 people. GKN Driveline supplies world-leading driveline systems and solutions to nine vehicle makers in 14 cities throughout Mexico.