This post is part of an ongoing series of profiles on manufacturers in the state of Nebraska. Check back later for more posts in the series. To see previous posts in the series, click here.

Today, we’d like to highlight a who designs and manufactures some of the most competitive driveline solutions in the entire world. Neapco Components, located in Beatrice, Nebraska, is a division of Neapco Holdings of Belleville, Michigan. However, Neapco Holdings also has locations in Mexico, Poland, Germany, and China.

Right now, Neapco employs 360 people in the Gage Industrial Park in Beatrice, making them one of the larger manufacturing employers in the city. According to Neapco Vice President and General Manager J.C. Stiles, “Neapco’s mission is to deliver highly-valued products, solutions, and services to our customers in geographies where they operate. This is accomplished through an agile and open-minded team approach with a relentless focus on our partnerships. We commit to be the best at everything we do by focusing on safety, quality, operational excellence, people development, environmental sustainability, and continuous improvement. Neapco firmly believes by accomplishing our mission, attractive and sustainable returns are created.”

We also appreciate that the company works hard to do good for others. presented a company check totaling $2,000 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as a result of the company’s continuous improvement program. In a release, the manager of that program Tim Fralin says the company program includes workplace organization events, where employees make the work environment more user-friendly and efficient and are scored on the process.

In other words, Neapco is a wonderful example of a manufacturer that not only works hard to make their employees’ lives better, but they care about their community, as well.

NeMAC sat down with Vice President and General Manager J.C. Stiles to get the scoop on Neapco’s Nebraska plant.

NeMAC: What differentiates you from other Nebraska manufacturers?

J.C. Stiles: Well, Beatrice is Neapco’s only Nebraska location, and we’re also the only OEM driveshaft manufacturer in Nebraska! We manufacture driveshaft bearing cups for all Ford F150s, Chevy Colorado, and RAM heavy duty trucks. We also manufacture driveshafts for Polaris ATVs and driveshafts for CNH Combines.

NeMAC: Can you tell us a little bit about your company history?

J.C.S.: Neapco’s distinguished history begins soon after the invention of the automobile. Originally the New England Auto Products Corporation of Hartford, Connecticut, the trademark of Neapco was adopted in 1924 and the company moved its universal joint manufacturing to Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a few years later.

Opened in 1981, Neapco’s Beatrice, Nebraska, facility has undergone four major expansions to accommodate manufacturing for CV joints and drivelines. Today Neapco is one of the most dynamic suppliers to OEM manufacturers and the worldwide automotive industry.

NeMAC: Why does Neapco enjoy being located in Nebraska?

J.C.S.: We consider Nebraska to be business friendly, with actions and incentives to promote business and manufacturing. Personally, I love the weather, people, and lack of traffic.

NeMAC: What do Nebraska manufacturers need to do in order to grow?

J.C.S.: The growth of manufactures in Nebraska is restricted by the limited workforce. Manufacturers need to take an active role in promoting manufacturing as a viable option to the local communities demonstrating that there are viable career paths in manufacturing.

NeMAC: What should Nebraska know about Neapco?

J.C.S.: Neapco, as well as other manufacturers in Nebraska, are global corporations. Employees can be part of a global business with the potential for global advancement and experience right from Nebraska.

Thanks for your time, J.C.! If you have any questions about Neapco, visit their website .

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photo credit: via