New alliance with Norwegian Catapult aims to accelerate sustainable aerospace production and strengthen Norway’s role in advanced manufacturing.
Oslo, Norway, 9 December 2025 – GKN Aerospace Norway has taken a significant step toward the future of aerospace manufacturing by signing a strategic agreement with Norwegian Catapult Manufacturing Technology in Kongsberg. The partnership focuses on expanding advanced additive manufacturing capabilities at GKN Aerospace’s engine facility in Kongsberg, positioning Norway as a growing hub for next-generation, sustainable industrial innovation.
Additive manufacturing, often called 3D printing for industry, helps reduce material waste, shorten supply chains, and lower environmental impact. Through this collaboration, the two organizations aim to speed up industrial adoption of additive manufacturing while building a national platform for high-tech, eco-friendly production.
This initiative follows GKN Aerospace’s recent additive manufacturing investments in Sweden and the United States, reinforcing the company’s global strategy to scale capacity and advance innovation across its network. Bringing these capabilities closer to customers also supports Norway’s ambition to take a leading role in sustainable and advanced manufacturing.
Sébastien Aknouche, Senior Vice President of Material Solutions at GKN Aerospace, emphasized the importance of the partnership, saying that additive manufacturing is central to the company’s vision for the future. The collaboration with Norwegian Catapult will help GKN Aerospace fully industrialize the technology and deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions for aerospace customers.
Ole B. Hoen, Head of Kongsberg Technology Cluster, highlighted how this joint effort will benefit the wider Norwegian industry. By co-investing in shared infrastructure and expertise, both partners aim to create opportunities for other companies to experiment, learn, and implement additive manufacturing solutions.
The agreement supports GKN Aerospace’s long-term technology roadmap, which includes major investments in advanced machinery, hardware, and industrial infrastructure. GKN Aerospace’s proprietary additive processes are used to produce critical components for leading aerospace engines worldwide. Strengthening the Kongsberg facility further enhances the company’s ability to meet growing demand from global engine manufacturers.
As a leader in aerospace engineering, GKN Aerospace operates across 12 countries with more than 16,000 employees. The company continues to push the boundaries of sustainable aviation through innovations in composites, additive fabrication, and next-generation propulsion technologies.
