Churchill Mortgage is opening a new branch in Atlanta in the wake of a record-breaking 2012.

Last year, the mortgage lender originated more than $1 billion in loans for the first time in 20 years, representatives for the company said.

The year 2012 also marked Churchill Mortgage’s 20-year anniversary.

Higher origination activity means more hiring. Churchill hired more than 80 employees last year to staff branches across the U.S.

Churchill is known for offering conventional, FHA, VA and USDA home loans in 26 different U.S. states.

The company’s Atlanta headquarters is credited for being in the right location at the right time.

“Atlanta’s economy continues to see positive growth, adding more than 37,000 jobs last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,” said Joshua Phillips, Georgia branch manager for Churchill Mortgage. “Opening a physical branch in Atlanta was the right decision, giving us an opportunity to better serve the growing local community. By recruiting Jennifer, Johnny and David, we’re confident we’ll continue to grow and help more individuals achieve their goal of owning a home.”