GKN Aerospace, a unit of Melrose Industries PLC, said on Monday it will establish a reported $100 million claims program to compensate residents and businesses reportedly impacted by a May evacuation order at its Garden Grove, California facility.
The program, which will open in the coming weeks and remain active through 2027, covers reimbursable costs such as hotel stays, meals, transportation, lost wages and loss of use. Claims by emergency services agencies for response costs and potential civil enforcement penalties will be handled separately, the company said.
GKN Aerospace said the Orange County District Attorney's Office reportedly closed its criminal investigation into the incident without bringing charges, though a civil investigation reportedly remains ongoing. The company permanently decommissioned the tank involved in the evacuation and invested in safety enhancements at the facility, adding it fully cooperated with all investigations.
The Garden Grove facility, which was ordered evacuated in May, is reportedly targeted to resume full manufacturing operations by September 28, according to the company. GKN Aerospace plans to phase in capacity and customer deliveries through the fourth quarter of 2026, with a return to full operations expected in 2027.
The company’s insurance position related to the incident remains under review.
