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Melrose Industries PLC announced on 25 August 2026 that GKN Aerospace Garden Grove will launch a claims programme to provide up to $100 million for eligible residents and businesses affected by the May evacuation order. Additionally, the Orange County District Attorney's Office has closed its criminal investigation, determining it will not bring criminal charges, and GKN is targeting 28 September 2026 to resume full manufacturing operations.
| Date | 25 Aug 2026 |
| Time | 07:00:03 |
| Category | Corporate updates |
| ID | 9574R |
25 August 2026
MELROSE INDUSTRIES PLC
Update on GKN Aerospace's Garden Grove facility in California
Further to the update provided on 31 July 2026 alongside our half year results, we are announcing three important developments relating to the incident at GKN Aerospace Garden Grove ("GKN"):
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a claims programme will be launched to provide up to $100 million for eligible residents and businesses seeking to resolve claims for damages incurred in connection with the May evacuation order; |
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the Orange County District Attorney's Office ("OCDAO") has closed its criminal investigation and determined that it will not bring any criminal charges; and |
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GKN is targeting 28 September 2026 to resume full manufacturing operations. |
The claims programme, which is expected to become effective in the coming weeks and remain open into 2027, will reimburse those eligible for costs associated with the evacuation, including hotel stays, meals, transportation, loss of wages, and loss of use.
GKN has cooperated fully with all investigations, including that of the OCDAO, and today's developments represent a significant step towards full resolution of the OCDAO's civil investigation. Claims by emergency services agencies for costs incurred in responding to the incident and potential civil enforcement penalties will be resolved separately and are not included in the claims programme announced today.
Since the incident occurred, GKN has worked closely with regulators, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to carefully review the incident and prepare to safely return to full operations. GKN has permanently decommissioned the tank involved in the incident and has made substantial investments in safety enhancements at the facility.
GKN is targeting 28 September 2026 to resume full manufacturing operations with a phased return to full capacity and customer deliveries during the fourth quarter. GKN will continue to work closely with relevant agencies and officials to achieve this.
As announced at our half year results, our associated insurance position remains under review.
Further updates will be provided as appropriate.
Enquiries:
Investor Relations:
Mat Wootton
+44 (0) 7483 961 233, [email protected]
Media:
Simon Sporborg, Tom Pigott / Brunswick:
+44 (0) 207 404 5959, [email protected]
About Garden Grove
The Garden Grove facility in California, operated by GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, Inc., designs, manufactures and provides aftermarket support for advanced military and commercial transparencies employing around 500 people. For financial year 2025, sales generated by the site were £136 million.