News

Peachtree City's Alcan Packaging Named Georgia Manufacturer of the Year

by • April 16, 2009

Georgia’s chief operating officer, Jim Lientz, presented Peachtree City manufacturer Alcan Packaging with this year’s award for Georgia Manufacturer of the Year in the medium company category (151-500 employees). Alcan joined Bryan County’s Oracal and Toyo Tires, which is located in White, as the state’s top three manufacturers of the year.

The annual awards ceremony is the highlight of Georgia Manufacturing Appreciation Week, which is co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This year, more than a thousand business leaders were in attendance at the ceremony held at the Cobb Galleria April 16.

Chris Turk, site manager, accepted the award for Alcan.

“On behalf of all of our 160 Peachtree City employees, I’m honored, and I’m humbled,” Turk said. “Evidenced by how large this group is, there is passion for manufacturing in Georgia.”

Turk added thanks to Georgia Tech, Georgia Quick Start and Griffin Technical College. “Those folks are on the ground, really making it happen,” he said. “They’re not in an office, not consulting; they’re taking their knowledge and skills and helping us apply them to our operations – true professionals.”

“Alcan truly has a remarkable story,” says Matt Forshee, President & CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority. “In converting their facility from one wholly involved in tobacco packaging to one involved in packaging for gum products as well, they have made major strides as a business unit to ensure that they remain not only viable in their industry, but an industry leader. That kind of outlook should always be rewarded and we are thrilled they continue to call our community home.”

For more than 12 years, Alcan Packaging Atlanta has been one of the leaders in manufacturing high-quality rotogravure printed packaging.

In 2008, this facility was recognized with two international organizational honors: the Silver Bonsai Award for achievements in Environment, Health and Safety excellence, and the coveted Five Star Award – an international program that honors plants, projects and people who make exceptional contributions to Alcan Packaging’s mission of growth and success. To earn these awards, the Peachtree City team had to compete with the company’s 30,000 other employees at 120 other operations worldwide.

As a strong supporter of its community, Alcan Packaging has been active in the local YMCA and area schools. Each year Alcan supports the fine arts program at Starr’s Mill High School by sponsoring its scholarship pageant. Also, in 2008, the team members of Alcan took the opportunity to turn a company golf outing into a fund raiser for Children’s Health Care. As a result, more than 8,000 dollars were donated to this cause, and next year’s goal is set even higher.

Tagged: manufacturere of the year, alcan, award