Nixa News & Ozark Headliner Profile

Quietly tucked away in Nixa's downtown is a thriving business known as JAG Engineering, Inc. Passersby wouldn't guess from the meticulously maintained store front which faces Main Street that within the walls is an international company which makes molds and patterns for such industrial giants as Ford, Cadillac, Hyundai, Mazda, General Motors, and Chrysler Corporation. The molds which Jag Engineering, Inc. produces for these companies are used to make components of parts such as door panels, bumpers, dash boards and steering wheels.

Owner Gaylen Healzer said his company, which employs five full-time and two part-time staff, thrives on mixing new technology with old-fashioned American pride and the Southern Missouri work ethic.

"Every man that works here has an intense interest in what he does. This is the American Way," Healzer said. "You'll probably see them wearing American Flags on their uniforms--they did that of their own accord." The employee's pride in their work keeps JAG Engineering competitive in the international marketplace, where Healzer says his employees also compete for their jobs. "We're not the only guys doing this. The Mexicans are doing it, the Japanese are doing it, the Brazilians are doing it, and we compete directly with them for these projects. The world has gotten so small that not only do the companies that make products in America compete internationally, the people that work for those companies compete internationally for their jobs. We need to wake up and realize that."

Part of what makes Jag Engineering so competitive in the international marketplace is the open flow of ideas and information in the company. "Every employee is an asset and has valuable ideas" says Healzer.

"I encourage it. They (the employees) suggest things all the time. I listen, evaluate and use them. Our whole business is built around ideas-- not just mine, but from the p people who work here." "The reason this company looks and acts like it does today is because of the teamwork. Everyone's ideas work and flow together, Concurrent Engineering, if you may. We function as a team rather than as individuals. That's what makes it work."

A self-described farm boy, Healzer grew up on a farm northwest of Wichita, Kansas. On the farm, Healzer said when you needed something you didn't have, you built it. That's where his love for making things stems.

He bought the building on Main Street in 1980 and set up shop. Within the last three years, his company has purchased two adjoining buildings and expanded into them. "We are basically a service business, serving companies who form different materials in aluminum molds" says Healzer. "We build molds from the concept to the sample parts providing turn-key service. This leaves the resources of our customers free to deal with their process controls and cycle times." JAG Engineering has a number of customers. Most are plastics molders and metal foundries in the Midwestern states.

Healzer is positive about what the future holds for his business. He plans to expand into the additional buildings, hire more good people, and add a larger, "more potent" computer system. He is realistic about the application of new technology and the need to try and stay abreast of new innovations. "You can't stick your head in the sand," He says. "We have to continue to push forward, learn the new stuff and apply it." Healzer says Nixa is a good location for his business. "Nixa has been good to us. There are a lot of good people here." He would like to see some realistic changes in the thinking of some about the old downtown area. Healzer, who admits some skepticism over his business's location, believes manufacturing service businesses have a place in the old downtown area. He says most of the walk-in businesses in Nixa have chosen a more modern location with a higher traffic count and convenient parking. "I've been a good neighbor. We have taken an interest in maintaining and upgrading our old buildings. It's the Main Street of the town that I live in. I came here as an outsider. I have an interest in this town and its people."

Jag Engineering has been a part of Nixa for the past 15 years. Healzer is happy with the way his business has grown and is convinced that growth will continue. At 40, Healzer says he does not look forward to retirement. "I enjoy the work God has given me to do. If I can do this until I'm 70 or 80, I will be satisfied. I'll have lived a good life."