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Major Milestones Over 5 Decades
From moving into its first building to securing its first patent,
Lawrenceville, Georgia-based Atlanta Attachment Co. has celebrated a
number of milestones during its first 50 years as manufacturer of
automated and custom systems, machinery, equipment and parts for a
variety of industries. Here are some of the highlights from its first
five decades. Read more about AAC’s history at the Atlanta Attachment website.
1969
Elvin C. Price starts what will become Atlanta Attachment Co. in the basement of his home in Atlanta
1971
- Company moves to its first building in Doraville, Georgia
- Price buys a company plane to make his promise of “Sudden Service” even faster
- Price hires Joey Bottoms and Travis Paul to help build products
- The company bought a plane to make Price’s promise of “Sudden Service” even faster. It also was a natural fit for a company that eventually moved into the aviation sector.
1978
- Construction starts on a 10,000-square-foot headquarters and plant in
Lawrenceville, Georgia
1983
- Company unveils automated equipment for the apparel industry at the Bobbin Show
1991
- AAC secures its first patent
1994
- Company grows to more than 200 employees
- Facility expands to 115,000 square feet
- In 1971, Price (right) hired Joey Bottoms (left) and Travis Paul (center) to help build products.
1996
- Company launches its first website
1998
- AAC releases its Serial Bus Control System, a four-wire system with modules to manage functions of automating equipment
2002
- AAC shows seven machines at its first ISPA EXPO
2006
- AAC establishes Atlanta Parts Depot
2007
- AAC moves into its current facility with opening of the 200,000-square-foot building
2016
- HSM purchases AAC
- Price retires
- AAC adds annex, bringing total square footage to 250,000
2019
- AAC celebrates 50th anniversary
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Long-Time Employees Had Opportunity to Grow, Succeed
When asked by BedTimes, “What factors have contributed to
Atlanta Attachment Co.’s success and longevity?” President Hank Little
concluded his answer with this: “I want to make sure it’s clear that
without our employees we would not have made it 50 years. We have
dedicated employees who are good at what they do.”
Little points to a companywide policy of
open communication, a sense of camaraderie among employees and a
corporate commitment to helping team members grow as reasons the company
has a dedicated workforce and low turnover.
We asked a few longtime employees about their careers at
AAC and why they’ve stayed with the company for so long. (Answers have
been lightly edited for style, clarity and length.)
Brenda Chavis, production planning and job costing
When were you hired? “I started
working for AAC in October 1983 in a clerical position in the drafting
department, which consisted of four manual drawing boards. I maintained
the print mylars, assigning part numbers to prints and reviewing bills
of materials.”
What drew you to the company? “I had several friends who worked near AAC who spoke highly of the company, giving them rave reviews.”
How has your career at AAC progressed?
“I’ve done several things throughout the company, from drafting
clerical to billing to receiving. I’ve spent the most time in production
planning, which led me to the position I am in now.”
What have you enjoyed most about your years at AAC?
“The people here at Atlanta Attachment. They care about the quality of
their work and the satisfaction of the customers. Management shows great
concern for the well-being of their employees. AAC has taken good care
of me over the years and, if I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t change
a thing.”
William Richey, vice president of customer service
and inside sales
and inside sales
Hired in 1981 as metal fabricator:
“Within a year, the pay increased, along with the available hours I
could work, and I was working in a heated and air-conditioned building. I
had found a home, which to me was a big hobby shop environment for my
mechanical passion and I could utilize my talents.”
How has AAC changed during your time there? “Our
products and the services are not the same today, and I cannot say that
we have ever feared change because we prepared, embraced and managed
that change. Mr. (Elvin C.) Price, our founder, surrounded himself with
talented individuals and it is clear that this was a key item in our
success. I say ‘our’ because the opportunity I was given 38 years ago
has been fruitful, not only financially … but, most importantly,
personally, as I am part of the success everyone at AAC enjoys today.”
What have you enjoyed most about your years at AAC? “All
my years at AAC have been enjoyable because I like my job — helping and
sharing my talents, as well as learning from others.”
Farrell Wilkins, chief operating officer
When were you hired? “I started working in January 1992 as an electronic assembler producing cables and control boxes.”
What drew you to the company? “I had relatives working at Atlanta Attachment that encouraged me to apply.”
How has your career at AAC progressed?
“My progression into new roles: electronic assembler, sub-assembly,
sub-assembly supervisor, mechanical assembly supervisor, folder
department supervisor, planning and procurement manager, vice president
of planning and procurement, and now COO. Over the years, Elvin Price
and the management team at Atlanta Attachment Co. challenged me and put
me in different positions. I consider myself blessed to be part of a
company that has given me many opportunities to grow.”
How has AAC changed during your time there? “When I
started, the company was just beginning to deal with automated
equipment in the apparel industry used in the U.S. market. Now we are a
company that has evolved into one that is known worldwide for
manufacturing automated equipment used in several industries, including
bedding, apparel, automotive, furniture and aviation.”
Two Long Histories of Success
It is no small feat to stay in business for decades. This autumn,
BedTimes spotlights two companies celebrating major milestones in 2019:
Atlanta Attachment Co., founded 50 years ago, is featured in this
issue, and HSM, which is marking 75 years in business, will be
highlighted in the October issue. For most of their histories, the
companies operated separately, though, over time, HSM became a customer
of AAC and, in 2016, HSM acquired AAC as a standalone division. The
companies, which both began as family businesses, share similar origin
stories and corporate values.
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