NGTC nominates Lavonia firm for state MAW Award

CLARKESVILLE - North Georgia Technical College has nominated Stovall Machine Products, Inc. (SMP), for the state's 2015 Manufacturer of the Year Award (MAW) in the small business category.

Dwight Stovall opened the full service machine shop in Lavonia 16 years ago.

The current shop which is 5,000 square feet will soon be expanded by an additional 8,000 square foot building allowing additional equipment and capacity. The new facility is expected to be fully operational by summer.

SMP is involved in community through the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County Education Committee, North Georgia Technical College, Future Farmers of America, 4-H Club, TriCounty Manufacturing Network, Lavonia First Baptist Church, and Hart Care Center.

"We are very proud to honor Stovall Machine Products with this nomination," said Dr. Mark Ivester, NGTC Vice President for Economic Development. "They have grown and accomplished so much in just a few years, and they are an excellent example of the strength of the manufacturing industry in this area."

In 2014, Governor Nathan Deal issued a proclamation declaring April 14-18 as Manufacturing Appreciation Week, noting at the time the contributions manufacturing makes to the state's economic well-being. More than 9,000 manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, according to the proclamation, and they provide 351,910 jobs and generate more than $18.5 billion in wages in the state each year.