2025 Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks Excellence in Manufacturing: Jeff Bigley | Amprod LLC

Thirty-five years ago, Jeff Bigley was a floor-level production associate in a sheet metal manufacturing plant. Today, he’s both far from, yet still close to, that experience.

He is now vice president of operations for Amprod LLC, but that first job and the many in between have given him a comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing industry, as well as the skills to help others climbing that ladder.

“I’ve worked my way through various roles, experiencing the manufacturing environment from the production floor to front-office management. This journey has given me a well-rounded perspective that I use to guide and mentor others,” he says. “By sharing real-world experiences and lessons learned, I help the next generation navigate challenges, develop their skills, and build a strong foundation for their own careers in manufacturing.”

These days, that career looks far different from when he started. At one point, he realized “old-school” methods of relying on working long hours and sheer determination were not going to solve increasingly complex problems. Hello, technology.

“As competitiveness and workforce availability have driven change, I’ve encouraged the integration of automation, including robotics, to improve efficiency and productivity,” he says. “This openness to change has not only contributed to my long-term success but also supported the growth and success of the organizations I’ve been fortunate to be a part of.”

American Products General Manager Matt Calton called Bigley “a champion of technological advancement.”

“He has successfully led projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies into our operations, enabling us to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. His strategic mindset allows him to foresee industry trends and adapt our operations accordingly, ensuring sustained growth and innovation,” says Calton.

He didn’t do it alone, Bigley is quick to point out. It’s been a team effort.

“We began by forming safety committees to enhance accountability and awareness. We held regular production meetings with supervisors to identify and address bottlenecks. To maximize our workforce, we cross-trained staff, ensuring flexibility and coverage across roles,” he says. “One of our most impactful changes was transitioning our fabrication shop from batch processing to cellular manufacturing by reconfiguring equipment layouts and installing conveyors for streamlined material movement.

“We’ve also integrated advanced technologies, such as (collaborative robots) and sheet metal automation equipment, to further enhance efficiency. While we’re still refining processes and completing training, these robotics allow for ‘lights-out production,’ which has been a game-changer for our operations.”

Bigley has worked in manufacturing for more than three decades; 20 of those years were spent with American Products, alongside Calton.

“Jeff is not just a problem solver; he is a strategic thinker who approaches challenges with a comprehensive perspective,” says Calton. “His ability to align operational strategies with overall business goals has proven invaluable to our organization.