British Aerospace Firm Moves Operation to Fort Worth-Area

The British aerospace company GKN Aerospace announced Monday it plans to locate a new research and development plant near Lake Worth. The existing 100,000-square-foot facility will be modified to support roughly 100 jobs and will house the company’s research and development into laser fabrication of metal air frames. It’s expected to take almost two years to get things ready to make the move from Tennessee.

GKN Aerospace makes parts and materials for commercial airplane companies such as Boeing and Airbus, as well as parts for Lockheed Martin’s F-35. The company said Fort Worth’s proximity to GKN customers, including Lockheed Martin and Northrup Grumman, was a big reason for the move.

In exchange for a $7 million tax credit from the town, the company is required to spend at least $20 million in research and development within five years and create 100 new jobs with an average salary of $125,000.