Quick Start Newsletter Volume 4, Number 1

ATR Benefits from Quick Start's Existing Industry Program

Applied Thermoplastic Resources in Cartersville was one of the first beneficiaries of the change in the Quick Start Law that allows Quick Start to work with existing industries that aren’t necessarily expanding. Although ATR has expansion plans in its near future, what the Cartersville company really needed was an enhancement in its workforce training. And Quick Start was there to give the boost.

ATR, created in 1995 to take advantage of the raw materials generated by the carpet industry in Northwest Georgia, is a thermoplastic recycling company that specializes in nylon compounds. Put simply, ATR takes “leftovers” from the nearby carpet manufacturers and produces high quality nylon products for the plastics industry.

Dr. Ken Breeden, commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education, was present for the training plan signing in August. He noted with appreciation that this was the first of the existing industry projects undertaken as a result of the support by the Georgia legislature for funding existing industry training through which the technical colleges—in this case North Metro Tech—and Quick Start could contribute their expertise to an incumbent workforce.

“This is exactly the type of industry we want to support,” he said. “It’s a Georgia manufacturing plant that exists symbiotically with one of the state’s most significant manufacturing sectors: the carpet industry. This is a perfect marriage. We can use a workforce that is in place and ready to use waste and extras from nearby companies to turn that ‘waste’ into something viable.” QS

Popular Suzuki ATV to be Made in Rome

Georgia is privileged to have been chosen by the Suzuki Motor corporation to be the site of its only North American manufacturing plant. Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation broke ground in Rome, Ga., last March and signed a training plan with Quick Start and Coosa Valley Technical College late last summer. The facility, which will open in 2002, will begin making the popular Suzuki “Eiger” all terrain vehicle.

“I was overwhelmed by the area’s abundant and beautiful nature, the frank people, and the county and city’s heartfelt welcome,” explained the company’s president, Masaru Asahina.

“We selected Rome not only because of its many business and geographical advantages, such as good incentives and proximity to the ATV market, but also because of Georgia’s support systems, especially the Quick Start training program and Coosa Valley Technical College, which provided us with temporary offices,” he added.

Suzuki plans to begin production of the four-wheelers in 2002. This particular ATV model has a 400cc engine and is very popular with hunters and outdoorsmen throughout the United States. The Rome facility plans to make about 160 units per shift, employing approximately 155 people in the first year. Plans are to eventually increase that workforce to about 300 people.

Quick Start’s relationship with Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation first began in December 2000. A Quick Start project team traveled to Toyokawa, Japan, to conduct a detailed study of the company’s manufacturing process. Starting with raw materials received, the Quick Start team examined every step of the process (including welding, painting, assembly, and product inspection), what tools are necessary, and the order of assembly. Material development started after the training plan signing in August. Quick Start also teaches a Japanese Cultural Awareness program for American and Japanese co-workers.

As of this writing, managers, supervisors, and team leaders have been hired and are in training. The company expects to have its first models off the production line early this spring. QS

Rome Benefits from Quick Start Services

Al Hodge, Greater Rome’s Chamber of Commerce president, believes that his city would be “reeling in this economy if it weren’t for the new companies that have recently come here.”

As Georgia feels the effects of the nation’s economic uncertainty, cities like Rome will need to be creative and stalwart in their efforts to draw employers to the area. In the past year, Rome has been chosen by two major manufacturers— Pirelli Tire North America Corporation and Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation—to be home to two large new facilities. And Hodge is grateful.

Among other employers that Rome depends on are companies like F & P Georgia, Neaton Rome, Inland Paperboard and Packaging, and nearby Jefferson Southern Corporation in Polk County, all of which have used the Georgia Quick Start program to help train their workforces.

“Quick Start is an effective bottom- line incentive that helps to make the difference in securing new employers for Georgia. The quality of the program consistently receives high praise from those who have benefited from its services,” says Hodge. “So thanks to DTAE and Coosa Valley Technical College for this selling tool!” QS

Scott Morris, director of economic development, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, was instrumental in the companies’ decisions to come to Rome. He is pictured here (left) with Al Hodge, president and CEO of the Chamber.

Rome Welcomes Pirelli Tire North America Corporation

Pirelli North American Corp. has located a $140 million technology research and development facility and tire manufacturing plant in Rome. Pictured here at the groundbreaking ceremony last fall are (l-r) Jackie Rohosky, assistant commissioner, Economic Development Programs, DTAE; Bill Fricks, chairman, Rome City Commissioners; Representative Paul Smith; Jim Steed, deputy commissioner, GDITT; Guellomo Ficchio, senior vice president and director, Pirelli Tire; John Mays, chairman, Floyd County Commissioners; Carlo Bianconi, president, Pirelli Tire North America; John Massey, chairman, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce; Antoinette Brahm, owner, Clean Air America; and Craig McDaniel, president, Coosa Valley Technical College.