Now that ThermoPro Inc.'s customers are beginning to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is planning some changes that will allow it to grow.

The industrial thermoformer in Duluth, Ga., saw a slowdown in the consumer products market that dented its 2021 sales, which fell to $3.85 million from $4 million the year before. But recovery is in sight, officials said.

"We're looking forward to the end of the pandemic and being able to grow from there," CEO, President and owner Greg Weigle said Feb. 8 by phone. "The pandemic was painful … [but] our customers are starting to grow again and that's affecting us in a good way."

ThermoPro is unable to expand at its current leased site, so Weigle has set his sights on relocating and purchasing a facility. There's no urgency to expand right away but looking ahead, he expects to need that option. He said he won't have to look far, however — within 100 miles, if that.

The current plant size of 52,000 square feet is adequate — as long as there's room to grow. Weigle sees the move taking place by mid-2023.

ThermoPro was founded in 1992. Weigle purchased the business in 2017. It employs about 20.

The company has three lines and does pressure forming, heavy-gauge vacuum forming, drape forming, plastic fabrication and secondary assembly. It makes parts for medical devices, office and home products, transportation, kiosks and retail displays, exercise equipment, recreational vehicles and games. It also started making face shields and protective barriers during the pandemic.

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