REDDITCH, England, October 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
A group of teenage students with special educational needs spent the day at GKN Driveline Birmingham on Monday.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131009/644046-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131009/644046-b )
The students experienced the manufacturing environment in action. A market leading automotive supplier - GKN Driveline Birmingham manufactures sideshafts and propshafts for vehicles such as the new Range Rover Evoque.
The group got a chance to understand the importance of LEAN manufacturing techniques, used in the plant, via an interactive game designed to show how the operation reduces process waste.
The visit was organised as part of the Government's "See Inside Manufacturing" (SIM) campaign - an initiative aimed at encouraging young people to consider engineering as an exciting career choice - and give the students a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of the world of high-tech automotive design and manufacturing.
"Our students all really enjoyed the day, particularly the practical elements," said Lynette Douglas, Work Related Advisor for Queensbury School. "The majority of our students are on the autistic spectrum plus some have other complex needs. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to experience a new situation as many organisations are reluctant to offer work-related experience."
"GKN Driveline is determined to reach out to all parts of the communities it operates in and we plan to build a long term relationship with Queensbury School," said Adam Nock, Plant Director. "Our team were impressed with how the group engaged with the task and the enthusiasm and professionalism they showed throughout the day."
GKN Driveline in Birmingham, which is situated on Chester Road in Erdington, employees 725 people and produces 11,000 sideshafts and 4,000 propshafts every day, driving the wheels of 1.7 million vehicles a year.
Queensbury School, also in Erdington, is a secondary special education school, which caters for up to 265 pupils aged 11 - 19 with moderate learning difficulties.
For more information on SIM visit: http://www.discuss.bis.gov.uk/seeinsidemanufacturing/
About GKN Driveline
GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive driveline components and systems. As a global company serving the world's leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components - for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics.
GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of CVJ Systems, AWD Systems, Trans Axle Solutions and eDrive Systems and operates in 22 countries at 56 locations employing 22,000 people.
About GKN Driveline Birmingham
GKN Driveline Birmingham was founded in 1925 and moved to its current location in 1956. In 1966 it joined the GKN group.
Following the recent consolidation of GKN's driveline activities in the UK, GKN Driveline Birmingham is now a centre of excellence and produces an entire portfolio of sideshaft and propshaft solutions and associated components for front-wheel, rear-wheel and 4x4 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles from its base in Erdington, Birmingham, UK.
These products are tailored, tuned and harmonised to suit the characteristics and performance requirements of each customer application. They are supplied as original equipment products to the majority of UK based automotive manufacturers and also as original service parts where required.
Today GKN Driveline Birmingham employs more than 700 people.
About the GKN Group
GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, aerospace and land systems markets. It has operations in more than 32 countries, around 48,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of £6.9 billion in the year to 31 December 2012. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN).
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