Driven to succeed

When world-leading automotive driveline maker GKN Driveline decided to scale-up its operations in Mexico, UKTI helped it to make important new contacts.

Redditch-based GKN Driveline produces the world’s most comprehensive range of powertrain products, including constant velocity joints (CVJs) and all-wheel drive systems. The company employs 22,000 people at 57 locations in 23 countries, and more than 90 per cent of its business is overseas.

GKN Driveline has been in Mexico since 1979 and now has a technology centre, two forges and an assembly plant there. The company’s relationship with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) started after the UK Ambassador’s 2010 visit which aimed to double trade between the UK and Mexico. UKTI has helped GKN Driveline to make new contacts among government officials, find new suppliers and business opportunities and to raise its profile within Mexico. It has also helped the company sell to regional markets outside Mexico like the US.

“I’d recommend anyone thinking of coming to Mexico to talk to UKTI,” says Fidel Otake, GKN Driveline Mexico’s Managing Director. “They really understand trade between the two countries.”

Read the full case study detailing how UKTI helped GKN develop its business in Mexico.

For further information about GKN please visit: http://www. gkndriveline.com.

Contacts

If you are interested in developing your business overseas please contact your local International Trade Advisor.