FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Gearing Up
2021
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Non-manufacturers that want to support MAM members and Missouri manufacturing can connect through event sponsorship and/or one of the MAM Network Partnership programs.
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We offer a variety of partnership opportunity levels for both businesses and institutions of education.
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Interested in becoming a Partner? Email us to learn about our various partnership options.
Contact us at Info@mamstrong.org
Exclusive Benefits to MAM Members from our Partners
A Partner is a defined as a business who does not qualify as a manufacturer but provides services or products that will benefit our manufacturing Members.
Each Partner company is thoroughly vetted and researched to ensure we are collaborating with a recognized expert in their field and trusted resource.
A key factor is they must align with Missouri Association of Manufacturer’s mission: To Promote, Preserve and Advance manufacturing in Missouri.
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Non-manufacturers that want to support MAM members and Missouri manufacturing can connect through event sponsorship and/or one of the MAM Network Partnership programs.
​
We offer a variety of partnership opportunity levels for both businesses and institutions of education.
​
Interested in becoming a Partner? Email us to learn about our various partnership options.
Contact us at Info@mamstrong.org
Exclusive Benefits to MAM Members from our Partners
A Partner is a defined as a business who does not qualify as a manufacturer but provides services or products that will benefit our manufacturing Members.
Each Partner company is thoroughly vetted and researched to ensure we are collaborating with a recognized expert in their field and trusted resource.
A key factor is they must align with Missouri Association of Manufacturer’s mission: To Promote, Preserve and Advance manufacturing in Missouri.
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To stay informed on the latest Missouri manufacturing news, events, resources and more, join our email list.
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Established through the
Missouri Association of Manufacturers,
the Missouri Manufacturers Hall of Fame’s mission is to honor and celebrate the deep and rich history of Manufacturing in Missouri – recognizing individuals and companies for innovations, inspirations, and contributions to industry while embodying the pride, passion and spirit of manufacturing.
Join us for the Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony at the
4th Annual Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference!
2025 Class:
Johnny Morris, Founder, White River Marine Group - Tracker
Jack Gentry, Founder, Positronic
Gerard "Jerry" Klapp, Founder, Missouri Equipment Company
Langdon Barron, Sr., Founder, Alpha Foundry Company
Paul Mueller Company
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Johnny Morris: In 1978, Johnny Morris, Founder of White River Marine Group and Bass Pro Shops, revolutionized the marine industry when he introduced the world’s first “fish ready” professionally rigged and nationally marketed boat, motor and trailer packages. TRACKER quickly became-and has remained-the number one selling fishing boat brand in America for more than 40 years. Drawing its name from the magnificent river flowing through the Ozarks, today White River Marine Group (WRMG) is the world’s largest builder of fishing and recreational boats by volume. A member of the Bass Pro Shops® and Cabela’s® family, WRMG is based in Springfield, Missouri with boats designed and manufactured in the United States. Mr. Morris’s innovation made quality fishing boats more accessible to a broader audience. That innovation has proven to be a substantial contribution to manufacturing within the outdoor and marine sectors.
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Jack Gentry: Jack Gentry is the founder of Positronic, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance electrical connectors. With an exceptional blend of technical acumen and a passion for excellence, Mr. Gentry's leadership transformed a small enterprise into a respected name in the manufacturing industry. Mr. Gentry was inventor/owner of an industry patent, served on the cabinet of the International Electrotechnical Commission, and was simultaneous General Manager of three divisions of Litton Industries.
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Gerard "Jerry" Klapp: Gerard "Jerry" Klapp, founder of Missouri Equipment Company in St. Louis, Missouri, is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in the manufacturing and industrial equipment sector. With over four decades of experience, Mr. Klapp has played a pivotal role in providing innovative solutions to manufacturers, helping them optimize operations and enhance productivity. His company specializes in offering high-quality industrial equipment and service solutions, establishing itself as a trusted partner for businesses across the Midwest. Mr. Klapp established Missouri Equipment Company with a vision to fill a gap in the industrial equipment market. His leadership and commitment to excellence transformed the company into a regional powerhouse known for its reliability and customer-centric approach. Mr. Klapp is a staunch advocate for the manufacturing sector. He has contributed to numerous industry associations and initiatives aimed at promoting manufacturing innovation, workforce development, and economic sustainability in Missouri.
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Langdon Barron, Sr.: Langdon S. Barron Sr. co-founded the Barron & Richter Pattern Company on July 15, 1920, in St. Louis, MO. In 1923, he became the sole owner and expanded the business to include machine finishing of bronze and aluminum castings. In January 1941, Barron partnered with Charles Elmendorf to form Alpha Brass Foundry Company. After Barron's death in April 1958, his widow, Clara A. Barron, took ownership, and their son, Robert H. Barron, assumed management. The company relocated to Hazelwood, MO, in November 1958 and incorporated as Alpha Foundry Company on August 1, 1960. Robert patented the "Alpha Process" for shell face molds, enhancing casting quality and efficiency. In 1972, his son, Emerson S. Barron, joined the company, eventually transitioning it to focus on aluminum casting using the Alpha Process. Emerson's son, Ryan Barron, joined in 1999, became president in 2006, and continues to oversee operations, maintaining the family's legacy of innovation and quality in the foundry industry. Today, born from the vision of Langdon Barron, Sr., Alpha Foundry continues to forge ahead with their patented Alpha Process and utilize the latest in 3D printed sand technology supporting the automotive, aerospace and defense, construction, agriculture, mining, medical and electrical industries to name a few – with the 5th generation Barron family represented in the business.
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Paul Mueller Company: Beginning in 1940 and incorporated in 1946, Paul Mueller and Paul Mueller Company have been a prominent feature in manufacturing in Springfield, MO. The concentration of manufacturers of stainless steel processing equipment in Springfield is due to the presence of Paul Mueller Company in Springfield. Today Paul Mueller Company employees over 850 people in Springfield, Osceola, IA, Groenlo, The Netherlands, and Vietnam. Throughout its history, Paul Mueller Company has been recognized for its commitment to quality and innovation in manufacturing stainless steel processing equipment for various industries, including dairy, food, brewery, beverage, pure water, and pharmaceuticals.
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The company began by producing stainless steel components in the 1940s to support the World War II effort. Post-war, it expanded into manufacturing cheese-making vats and poultry processing equipment. In 1950, Paul Mueller Company constructed a new 23,720-square-foot manufacturing plant in Springfield to accommodate its growing operations. By 1955, the company started producing stainless steel milk coolers for dairy farms, marking a significant expansion into the dairy industry. The company discontinued its original sheet metal business in 1960 to focus on manufacturing stainless steel storage tanks. In 1969, Paul Mueller Company went public, fueling further growth.
The Missouri Manufacturers Hall of Fame was established through the Missouri Association of Manufacturers Education Foundation, a 501(c)3.
For more information about Missouri Manufacturers Hall of Fame or the nomination process, email us at Info@mamstrong.org, or call at 417-863-7262.