Home lender Equity Loans LLC – a residential mortgage lender with operations in 30 states – increased its loan production by 50% in 2012 as the firm expanded its presence across the U.S.

The Atlanta-based mortgage lender opened 17 new branches last year and added 4,985 square feet to its headquarters as loan demand picked up.

The company also added Robert Oleynick to the company as chief compliance officer; Walt Werchanowsky, as executive vice president of finance; David Abrahamson, senior vice president of operations; and Mike Montanari, as VP of Secondary Marketing.