GKN Rockford Launches Local Mission Everest Campaign

A local GKN Rockford employee, Kirk Jones, will be an actual witness to the first powered paraglider flight over Mount Everest in May. GKN Rockford Inc. located in Loves Park, IL is part of GKN plc, headquartered in Redditch, England, which is sponsoring this record setting mission to kick off an ambitious, integrated fundraiser drive with all of its worldwide subsidiaries to support both major global and local charities. GKN is using the mission as an inspiration to do something extraordinary. The company is driving to redouble its efforts to support the communities in which it operates. The “GKN Way” calls on it’s employees to look at the broader role they play in society and hopes to translate the excitement of the Mission Everest project into a global mission of compassion by its employees to do something that will make a special positive impact to society. GKN plc has set a goal of raising $1 million dollars for good causes worldwide, split 50/50 between local communities and African aid projects via the Global Angels Foundation.

Any local time or money contribution over and above what GKN Rockford employees have given in the past will be matched by GKN plc. and given to Global Angels Foundation to get the Company closer to the $1 million dollar goal. By helping our own community, GKN Rockford employees are also able to help improve the lives of children in Africa by giving them fresh water, food and the opportunity of an education.

All GKN employees were also given the chance to enter a drawing to become part of the “Flight Over Everest” experience, and Kirk Jones was selected as one of two GKN OffHighway employees to win this once in a thousand lifetimes opportunity to see history in the making as well as participating in the exciting 6-day trek up the Himalayas to the base camp from which the flight will be launched.

Kirk was born in Downers Grove, IL, and grew up in Hinsdale. After graduation from Hinsdale Central High School, he went to the University of Illinois in Champaign and earned his degree in mechanical engineering. Kirk joined GKN in September 2006 as part of GKN OffHighway Wheels division designing wheels for tractors and construction equipment. In February of this year he moved to Rockford as part of a transfer to GKN Rockford, Inc. Kirk, an Associate Design Engineer, is currently involved in product engineering for driveline products for off highway equipment. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar and piano, working on cars, going to concerts, watching movies and camping. We are sure that Mount Everest will be the best camping experience he’s ever had.

For more information on Mission Everest, please visit the website at www.missioneverest.com. Be sure to keep updated on Kirk’s experience at www.rockfordpowertrain.com on the Press Releases page.