Dauch Corporation – the automotive driveline manufacturing and metal forming business known previously as American Axle & Manufacturing – completed its takeover of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries, GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy. The approximately $1.44-billion deal involving both cash and stock was first announced in January 2025.
“This is a defining and transformational time for both companies,” stated chairman and CEO David C. Dauch. “By uniting the capabilities of both organizations under one brand, we’re creating a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry that is built to perform—one positioned to meet today’s demands and lead into the next era of propulsion.”
Dowlais was created in 2023 through an asset spinoff by investor group Melrose Industries. GKN Automotive designs and manufactures automotive sideshafts, propshafts, and AWD/eDrive systems. GKN Powder Metallurgy manufactures metal powders and sintered precision components.
Dauch Corp. manufactures axles and chassis systems for cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, as well as electric drive systems for EVs. It also has hot, warm, and cold forging operations for driveline components.
The combined company will be headquartered in Detroit, with manufacturing operations in the U.S., Europe, and China.
