During the 1990s it became clear that plastics workforce training was essential, and that a lack of trained personnel was going to cramp the formation and growth of new plastics companies across the state. Companies were coming up empty in the search for workers who knew the secrets of mold making, extrusion and injection molding.

"We were badly in need of mold-makers and other skilled workers who could turn their talents to plastics," explains Gary Gray, manager of human resources for the Piolax Corporation in Canton.

"They were a dying breed. We went to Appalachian Technical College and presented our problem. Since then, and with the help of the wonderful people at Appalachian Tech, we've been able to grow, knowing that a pool of trained workers is being created. We have, traditionally, a low turnover rate thanks to this training," he adds. Most of the company's workers come from Cherokee and Pickens counties, but Piolax also draws from nearby counties, such as Forsyth, Fannin and Gilmer.

Several other companies joined in the effort to get a program up and running at Appalachian Tech. Seed money was obtained for an instructor and now the school boasts a successful Mold/Tool and Die Maker program.

Piolax manufactures fasteners for the automotive industry. Some of its biggest customers include Nissan, Honda and Ford. Many of the small, but essential details that make our lives more livable can be found on production lines at Piolax. Visor and seatbelt clips, radiator grille clips, and fuel tank components, as well as air dampers that gracefully open and close glove boxes and cup holders, are just a few of Piolax's products. There are 61 plastic- injection molding machines in use at the Canton plant now, and the company plans to have a total of 100 in operation within the next five years.

Three Japanese cherry trees welcome the visitor to the Canton facility, commemorating the tie to the company's headquarters in Japan. Piolax, which originated in Japan back in the 1930s, has had a close relationship with Nissan since that time. So when Nissan decided to set up a plant in Smyrna, Tenn., Piolax wasn't far behind.

Piolax is now about to undergo its third expansion, increasing its facility by 30,000 square feet. Quick Start has been part of each of these expansions, and Appalachian Tech continues to provide long-term training and education. The company employs approximately 170 Georgians.

David Worley is one Georgian who has benefited from the Piolax/Appalachian Tech relationship. Worley, who has been employed full-time as an apprentice at Piolax, has just completed his course of study at Appalachian Technical College and is now a Certified Mold/Tool and Die Maker. Jack Godfrey, Piolax supervisor, served as David's apprenticeship mentor.

Wilden Plastics also has benefited from its relationship with Quick Start and the Department of Technical and Adult Education. A leader in the production of high-grade plastic products, Wilden is headquartered in Germany and has facilities in Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, the Czech Republic and the United States. The Peachtree City location serves as the company's only North American facility, so it is very important to be able to hire and retain qualified employees.

Wilden's need for trained personnel has led to a continuing partnership with Griffin Tech. Six years ago, the company approached the school to request assistance with training. With the help of the school's president, Dr. Coy Hodges, the pilot for the now successful mold-making apprenticeship program was developed. Wilden typically accepts one apprentice per year.

"When Quick Start and Wilden asked if we could help them train qualified mold-makers, we knew it would stretch the educational programs we had in place," says Hodges. "We were happy to work to meet that need, and the apprenticeship program has been very successful. We hope it will continue to grow."

Currently, five companies arrange apprenticeships through Griffin Tech, and nine companies work with Appalachian Tech. The program has been so successful for Griffin Tech that the school is expanding its curriculum to include a full plastics technology program. Hodges explains, "It's an expanding market, and the companies need trained employees. We want to be the provider of training and education for the plastics industry in Georgia."

Around the world, Wilden produces everything from cell phone screens to inhalers to state-of-the-art plastic horseshoes. The Georgia facility focuses on three divisions of the company's products: medical and diagnostics, technical and industrial, and smart cards.

Smart cards are one of Wilden's specialties. The cards are similar to credit cards in size and appearance, but the difference is that there is a space to insert a small computer chip. The card can be used as a credit card or a check card, but also can be used to store and process information, such as banking information and balances, making it a much more useful tool. Wilden exports approximately 10 million cards each month to Central America, South America, Europe and Asia.

The company also has new projects on the horizon and is in the process of hiring more employees to meet the demand. The Peachtree City facility currently has about 70 employees, with plans to increase that number by a third in the immediate future. Dr. Peter Lohage, president and CEO, believes the company's 50 years of experience will serve it well as the industry advances. He says, "We are a full service supplier, and we continue our research and development. Our expertise in developing products and manufacturing is well known throughout the industry."

Lohage is excited about the coming expansion. "As it stands right now, we should quadruple our production within 18 months. We're hiring, and we will be buying new machines and equipment. The company has spent time changing the mix of divisions and products, so now we are ready to focus on growing. This is a very exciting time."

NACOM Corporation of Griffin is another plastics giant that has benefited from the state's plastics training.

Brian Burk, the company's manager of training, recently noted that NACOM has enjoyed a long and prosperous relationship with Quick Start.

"The training available through Quick Start has been an important part of our growth and expansions. Its customized training has allowed us to focus on implementing new technologies with a highly trained workforce," says Burk.

And with apprenticeship programs like the ones at Griffin Tech and Appalachian Tech, and the state-of-the-art plastics lab at Albany Tech, these companies will be assured of a skilled workforce for many years to come. QS

(Top Photo) HL-A employee Wendy Roberts, a sampling of Piolax plastic products, and Wilden employee Jeff Lyons overseeing an EDM precision mold machine.