Elmore County lifts off with 250 new jobs!

December 9, 2005

GKN Aerospace announced a 120,000 sq. ft. expansion of its Tallassee, Alabama facility as a result of additional work the site has won across its customer base and the recent award by GE Engines on the GEnx Engine Program.  The expansion will create an additional 250 jobs in Elmore County and will increase GKN’s investment in the State of Alabama by $20M.  Once the expansion is complete, GKN will be Elmore County’s largest manufacturing employer.

Governor Bob Riley made the  expansion announcement and thanked Paul Cocker, GKN Aerospace -Alabama Vice President and General Manager, for GKN’s continued partnership and investment in Alabama.

During the announcement and press conference Cocker was asked repeatedly by reporters for the reason GKN chose to expand here over its other locations.     Mr. Cocker answered, “the workforce.”

City of Tallassee Mayor Bobby Payne was very excited that GKN had chosen to expand in Tallassee over many other locations in the country.  Mayor Payne remarked “I think this decision proves the quality of our workforce and climate for business.”

Construction is expected to begin in fall of 2005 and the new addition should be completed by 2007.

GKN can be found on the web at www.gknplc.com.