Cartersville's Applied Thermoplastic Resources named 2012 Manufacturer of the Year - Small Business Division.

Media release: Chattahoochee Technical College announced Thursday Applied Thermoplastic Resources is walking away a winner today as the 2012 Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business Division. The company was recognized by the Technical College System of Georgia and Georgia Department of Economic Development during the annual Manufacturing Appreciation Week Luncheon in College Park.

"ATR is a perfect embodiment of what makes manufacturing so powerful and distinct in Georgia," said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. "The company has a strong commitment to quality, customer service, the community and the environment."

ATR, which began at the Georgia Institute of Technology as a research project, has been at its South Erwin Street in Cartersville location for more than 17 years. An environmentally friendly company, ATR's core business is re-manufacturing other companies' waste. The company saves well over 40 million pounds of plastic, wood pallets and cardboard from going to landfills. Additionally, ATR sponsors local environmental education through programs at the Margaret and Luke Pettit Environmental Preserve.

Since 2008, the company has almost tripled the size of both its workforce and revenue. Currently, the facility is 850,000 square feet and includes extrusion, silo storage, weight systems and a laboratory. The company projects another 30-50 percent increase in in its workforce and doubling its revenue by 2013.

ATR recently signed an agreement with Georgia Quick Start and Chattahoochee Technical College to develop customized training plans for the company's current, new and future employees. The training focused on the long-term needs of ATR's production and maintenance staff, as well as providing consultation in the areas of human resources and safety.

The Cartersville based company is the second win for Bartow County since 2009 when Toyo Tires North America took home the prize in the Large Business Category. Bartow County is one of only two communities to see two winners in the awards that began in 1995.