Key facts
- GKN Aerospace, a supplier of aircraft windows, is operating at 50% of normal production following a chemical incident.
- The incident involved a chemical storage tank at its Garden Grove, California facility.
- The company aims to restore full production by September 28.
- GKN and local authorities announced a $100 million compensation program for residents evacuated during the incident.
- GKN is one of a few companies globally qualified to manufacture aircraft windows.
GKN Aerospace, a critical supplier of aircraft windows, is currently operating at approximately 50% of its normal production capacity following a chemical storage tank incident at its Garden Grove, California facility. The incident, which occurred in late May, involved over 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate heating up and posing an explosion risk, leading to the evacuation of over 50,000 residents.
In August, GKN and local authorities announced a $100 million program to compensate residents affected by the evacuation. While production has not been fully restored, the company aims to reach full capacity by September 28. This disruption has sent ripples through the aviation industry, as GKN is one of a very limited number of companies globally qualified to produce these safety-critical components.
Aviation industry analysts note that the scarcity of qualified aircraft window suppliers makes the supply chain particularly vulnerable. Boeing stated it is taking steps to mitigate potential impacts, describing the situation as industry-wide, while Airbus is closely monitoring the situation and sees positive progress. The disruption comes at a time of high demand for new aircraft, with airlines struggling to acquire new planes fast enough.
Manufacturing aircraft windows is a highly regulated and complex process, making it difficult for new competitors to enter the market. Jean-Eric Vermont, general manager of Saint-Gobain Aerospace, explained that cabin windows are typically made from acrylic sheets, cut and shaped to size. Saint-Gobain purchases pre-polymerized acrylic, unlike GKN, which processes methyl methacrylate. Cockpit windows, on the other hand, are generally made of chemically reinforced glass and are designed to withstand significant impacts, such as bird strikes, at high aircraft speeds.