NEW HOPE, Tenn. — A Colonial Chemical Co. official said graduating the first apprentices of a new training initiative is a milestone in the growth of the company that expects to post $100 million in revenue this year.
“It’s always been a dream of our company that we got big enough to really start cooperating with the local community and be seen as a choice employer and choice investor in Marion County,” said David Anderson Jr., the company president, at a plant ceremony last week.
Officials hope to grow the Colonial Chemical Co. Institute in cooperation with Chattanooga State Community College. Anderson said it can provide a pipeline of trained workers for the company that makes specialty chemicals for personal care products, household cleaners and the metal-working and oil and gas industries.
“It really helps us partner with young, up-and-coming people in the community looking for a good career locally,” he said in an interview at the privately held manufacturer outside South Pittsburg that employs 184 people.
(READ MORE: Colonial Chemical expands)