(Atlanta, Ga. – April 21, 2016)
CTC President Dr. Ron Newcomb is pictured with Heatco CEO Rob Hankinson at the 22 Annual Manufacturers of the Year award luncheon.
Representatives from Chattahoochee Technical College and the nominees for Manufacturers of the Year attended the 22nd Annual Governor’s Award Luncheon at the Georgia International Convention Center on Thursday, April 21.
The annual Manufacturers of the Year event was developed by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to recognize the contribution of manufacturing to the state’s economy. Awards were given to companies in small, medium and large manufacturer categories that exhibit a high degree of corporate responsibility, have an economic impact on Georgia and display workforce excellence.
In his keynote speech, Gov. Nathan Deal noted the tremendous contribution manufacturing makes to the state’s economic well-being.
“There are many other areas that we can be proud of, but certainly job growth in the manufacturing arena is one that we take great pride in because it is one of those sustaining elements of a state’s economy and of the nation’s economy,” he said. “If we can’t manufacture things ourselves, we are going to be even more dependent on other parts of the world. The development of domestic manufacturing is important on every scale: politically and economically.”
Gov. Deal named Cives Steel Company Southern Division the 2016 Small Manufacturer the Year, Suniva Inc. the Medium Manufacturer of the Year and Caterpillar the Large Manufacturer of the Year.
Toyo Tires representatives, from left, are: John Broussard, Akito Tanaka and Don Waterhouse
Chattahoochee Technical College’s Department of Economic Development nominated four businesses for the prestigious awards. Ampacet Corporation and Heatco, both located in Bartow County, were nominated for the small manufacturer category, Quality Synthetic Rubber Inc. in Pickens County was nominated for the medium manufacturer category and Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. in Bartow County was nominated for the large manufacturer category.
“We all were both elated and humbled to hear the news (of the nomination),” said Heatco CEO Rob Hankinson. “Elated that we are recognized by those we so admire and humbled as a family-owned business, whose founder immigrated to the United States in the early 70s with a wife, a 1-year-old son, $1,000 and a dream. America remains the leader of the world for those that yearn for freedom and the chance to make a mark in living. We are so blessed to be part of this wonderful community, awesome state and the greatest country in the world.”
Ampacet Plant Manager Donnie Bagwell said it was very humbling to be nominated.
“We have won the Bartow Manufacturer of the Year award three times since we began production in Cartersville in 1995. To be nominated at the state level is very rewarding, humbling and an amazing honor,” he said. “I believe it speaks volumes to the principles and beliefs Ampacet has for community and for being a positive employer in Cartersville.”
Matt Ledford, the plant manager at QSR, said his Jasper team has worked very hard to provide world-class products and solutions to the automotive industry.