GKN Automotive, a world leader in drive systems, has successfully finalized the construction of its innovative manufacturing facility in Felsőzsolca, near Miskolc, north-eastern Hungary. This strategic development reinforces its proximity to OEM customers, solidifying its preeminent position in the rapidly growing automotive sector in the region.

The automotive industry has burgeoned into a pivotal sector in Hungary, witnessing the production of 420,000 cars and 1.9 million engines annually. The establishment of GKN Automotive’s state-of-the-art site in such a thriving environment will empower car manufacturers with access to top-tier suppliers, enhancing the automotive value chain in the region.

The facility is slated to commence operations in October 2023, focusing on the production of sideshafts. GKN Automotive anticipates the production of approximately 230,000 sideshafts between October and December 2023, with subsequent increases in capacity. This expansion will enable GKN Automotive to spearhead the electrification transition by ramping up the production of essential components for electric vehicles.

Spanning around 29,000 sq. meters, the facility integrates a production and logistics hall, an office building, and an engineering center, equipped with advanced testing facilities. The construction emphasizes sustainable design and incorporates best-in-class flow production processes, aligning with global environmental standards.

This new plant augments GKN Automotive’s existing production network in the region, including sites in Oleśnica, Poland, and Zreče, Slovenia, enhancing its competitive edge. In the long run, these strategically located plants will collectively cater to the escalating demand for eDrive systems and components, contributing to the global shift towards sustainable mobility solutions.