Gwen and Larry Collins initially reached out to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for assistance purchasing their Macon-based metal manufacturing business, Collins Manufacturing Company, in 2005.
In 2011, they partnered with Lisa Rackley, the area director of UGA SBDC at Macon, to further grow their business. Rackley assisted the Collinses with a number of new business and property acquisitions and offered guidance through the government contracting certification needed to expand into the defense industry.
Fast forward to 2024, Collins Manufacturing now operates six facilities spanning 235,000 square feet, has more than quadrupled its workforce, and offers contract manufacturing services across defense, aerospace, automotive, agriculture, and various other industries.
“Whenever you're trying to make those major decisions as a small business owner, you have some confidence. Because you know it's not just you and your knowledge alone; you're getting that expert help from University of Georgia Small Business Development Center.”
All programs of the UGA SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The University of Georgia
Small Business Development Center
382 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602-5412
P: (706) 542-2762
