Tony Neely began his career in manufacturing and project management with an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology from ITT Technical Institute. Several years later, Tom Neely continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from American Sentinel University’s American College of Computer & Information Sciences.

In March 1985, Tony Neely was hired as a Senior Technician at Shell Oil in Chicago, Illinois. Learning concepts of industrial manufacturing such as instrumentation, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), preventative maintenance, and safety, Tony Neely’s experience at Shell Oil served as a catalyst for his interest in automated manufacturing.

Joining M&M Mars in Chicago in 1989, Tony Neely was able to use his PLC experience and instrumentation knowledge to build and debug three highly automated manufacturing lines. Along with enhancing his PLC skills, Tony Neely gained experience in graphic interfaces, distributive controls, reliability, servo controls, and general automation concepts.

Hired as a Process Controls Engineer, Tony Neely joined Nestle Beverage in Long Island, New York, in 1993. Implementing a new high-speed hot fill and hold line, Nestle Beverage hired Tony Neely to design and modify the new production line. Along with additional duties, Tony Neely managed six technicians, 20 mechanics, and three parts clerks.

Continuing to diversify his career, Tony Neely joined Kroger in Newark, Ohio, when it was the largest dairy facility in the state with sales exceeding $25 million per year. Brought in as a Plant Engineer in 1995, Tony Neely was eventually promoted to Production Manager. In addition to managing more than 200 employees, Tony Neely developed a planning and scheduling spreadsheet that reduced material loss.

Ross Laboratories, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio, hired Tony Neely as a Project Engineer in 1999. While managing capital projects at four different facilities, Tony Neely also directed consulting engineers, contractors, programmers, and draftsman. Subsequently, Tony Neely joined Wayne Farms, LLC in Decatur, Alabama. As its regional engineering manager, Tony Neely oversaw four unique facilities and improved its maintenance systems in numerous ways.

In 2005, Huntsville, Alabama-based Turner Universal Construction brought Tony Neely in as an Industrial Project Executive. Working on various market segment projects, Tony Neely managed design development, preconstruction, construction, start up, and optimization.

Utilizing his more than 25 years of experience, Tony Neely began his position as Business Development/Project Manager at Logistics Design Systems & Services in 2009. Focusing on military design projects, Logistics Design Systems & Services benefited from Tony Neely’s history in the industry. Achievements under Tony Neely include a new manufacturing execution system, strategic teaming agreements, and the fostering of customer relationships.