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Every year Albany Technical College nominates companies within our area for the state title of 'Manufacturer of the Year'.

Although MARS Corporation North America didn't win, they are taking the award home on the local level.

There's no doubt that the company has had a big impact on our culture, but sweet treats aren’t the reason behind why MARS is being deemed Albany Tech’s 2012 Manufacturer of the Year.

“We look for the stability in the community, the economic impact that the company has in the community both in the terms of a financial impact in the community but also in the terms of employment,” said Matt Trice, Albany Tech Vice President of Economic Development.

The company employs nearly 200 people from the southwest Georgia area and in spite of the downturn in the economy, they continue to hire.

“Last year we had a lot of retirees. We went into a new structural format. We hired right at 60 associates,” said Kelvin Graham, MARS Corporation North America.

The company hires Albany Tech students from the industrial systems program and not all students have to wait until graduation to start their career.

“We can split the associates’ hours. So they can work and go to school at the same time. It's been very convenient for us and it's been a great partnership,” said Kelvin Graham.

As the corporation accepts their local new title, they hope to continue the 48-year-long tradition of supplying southwest Georgia with jobs, quality service, and sweet treats.