Eric Williams - Prince Manufacturing
How SBA Support Helped Build a Manufacturing Success Story in Middle Georgia
When Eric Williams founded Unified Defense in 2016, he had a clear vision: build a manufacturing company capable of delivering precision metal fabrication and supporting critical industries across the United States. Like many entrepreneurs, however, the early days required navigating complex financial and operational challenges. Support from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) proved pivotal in turning that vision into reality.
One of the company’s earliest challenges arose when Unified Defense faced the risk of losing its operating facility. As a young company, buying the building seemed impossible. Through a referral from its bank, Eric connected with the SBDC, where advisors helped him prepare financial statements, cash flow forecasts, and the necessary documentation to secure financing. This guidance enabled Unified Defense to get the loan needed to purchase the building and lay a stable foundation for future growth.
The relationship with the SBA ecosystem grew stronger as the business expanded. Advisors from the SBDC offered ongoing support in forecasting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making as the company scaled operations and explored new opportunities.
One of the most important milestones occurred in 2022 when Eric saw an opportunity to acquire Prince Service & Manufacturing, a well-respected metal fabrication company with decades of history in Middle Georgia. Completing the acquisition required significant financing. With a partnership involving Cadence Bank and the SBA, Eric secured SBA-backed funding that made the acquisition possible and supported the expansion of the combined businesses.
The impact has been transformative. Since receiving SBA support, the company’s revenue has increased more than tenfold, and its workforce has grown significantly. What started as a small operation with about 20 employees has expanded into a manufacturing company with over 500 employees across multiple facilities in Middle Georgia.
That growth has generated a strong economic ripple effect in the region. The company has expanded its manufacturing footprint to nearly half a million square feet across multiple properties, investing tens of millions of dollars into facilities, equipment, and workforce development. The result is hundreds of high-quality manufacturing jobs, increased opportunities for skilled trades, and a stronger industrial base for Middle Georgia.
Today, Unified Defense and Prince Service & Manufacturing supply products to both government and commercial customers across the country, helping to establish Middle Georgia as a thriving center for advanced manufacturing and economic growth.