If you’ve opened a bag of potato chips, purchased Pampers diapers, or even received mail in the United States, you’ve likely used a product supported by Megadyne’s equipment. Megadyne is a global company with offices in Buford, Georgia, where Gwinnett Chamber Chairman’s Club member Ron Harris leads the power transmission department.
Megadyne develops and manufactures power transmission belts, matched components, and complete belt systems for applications in diverse industries, including automotive, energy, food, fitness, medical, agriculture, and more. Its engineering teams are often called on when new belt designs are needed for emerging, innovative systems. The company, a division of AMMEGA, serves customers in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
From his office in Gwinnett County, Harris oversees production and delivery schedules, customer satisfaction, and business development with national and international teams. He believes that Gwinnett is an ideal location for a growing global business due to the county’s well-developed infrastructure and pro-business environment. “So many resources have been put in place within the Gwinnett business community. From strong economic development councils to collaborations with local universities, this area has many elements needed to anchor global businesses,” he says.
Learning from the Best and Then Sharing
Harris began his career at Goodyear Corporation, where he learned manufacturing best practices in the market leader’s flagship plant, producing 70,000 car tires daily. He credits his 24 years at Goodyear with equipping him with the skills and experience necessary to transform businesses.
Since leaving Goodyear, he has applied his expertise across a variety of fields and locations, including Memphis, where he was struck by the value of relationships built at the local chamber of commerce. “Sitting with business leaders in Memphis, I heard them describe problems that I knew could be overcome with the right process and automation,” he recalls. Harris found great satisfaction in sharing best practices with local companies that lacked the resources of a company like Goodyear.
Building Connections and Community
When he joined Megadyne 1.5 years ago, he noticed that the company was a member of the Gwinnett Chamber but not yet actively involved in many programs. “I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to be fully engaged with the Chamber, especially one like the Gwinnett Chamber that’s part of the fabric of the business community,” says Harris. “This is where you make important connections for your business and yourself. And it’s where you can share insights and support key member programs.”
Although he works daily with power transmission systems, Harris finds common ground with a wide range of Gwinnett Chamber members. “We’re all in the people business. It doesn’t matter what product we manufacture or support—it’s always about people,” he says. “For me, it’s important to leave a legacy of helping others by sharing what I’ve learned, and I’m happy to have that opportunity through the Gwinnett Chamber.”