GKN Aerospace received a multi year contract to create lightweight titanium thrust links for the Boeing 747-8 and both engine variants of the Boeing 787. GKN has developed special welding techniques to be used on these structures at a dedicated production cell in their El Cajon, California facility. The facility features electron beam welding and precision machining capabilities. Thrust-link end fittings are machined at GKN’s Mexicali site, a low cost, highly skilled facility. The Boeing contract is estimated at USD 45-50 million.