Dalton is known as a manufacturing community. That's thanks in part to the multi billion dollar carpet industry. But this is not your dad's industry.
Now, many companies make their own raw materials. And the businesses that support the industry have also expanded.
Brian Anderson, President, Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, "Many of our chemical companies, they used to be 80 percent carpet related, and 20 percent other. Now, we're sometimes 8 and 9 percent carpet related, and 91 percent of their products are sold for other parts."
David Aft, Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, "We have lubricants that are non petroleum based that keep machinery running all over the world. We've got companies that develop epoxy's that coat most of the wind turbines that are generating power all over the world. Those are things that people don't necessarily associate with carpet."
Dalton's past has helped to shape its future. The Dalton Depot was originally built as a train station back in 1852. It survives today, as a hometown restaurant. And its restoration helped to change people's attitudes.
T.J. Kaikobad, Dalton Depot, "It showed the viability of being downtown without a doubt, and it showed the enthusiasm for downtown, and it certainly has been a catalyst to encourage other people to locate downtown."
Manly Steel is the only family owned manufacturer to survive since the late 1800's. Its changed with the times, from making jails, to creating custom metal and steel fabrications.
Over the next week, we'll take a closer look inside the business. And we'll take a look at the areas rich Civil War History. And we'll show you how the area is partnering with local colleges and technical schools to keep kids in Whitfield county.
It's all ahead, as we profile Our Town Dalton.
