Eric Higgins
Continuous Improvement
515-620-8284erichigg@iastate.edu Economic Development Core Facility1805 Collaboration Place, Suite 2300Ames, IA 50010
Expertise
AutomationIndustry 4.0
Lean
Product/Process Design
Education
BS Industrial Technology, Minor Computer Science, Western Illinois UniversityAAS, Automated Manufacturing Technology, Southeastern Community College
Experience
Eric has over 35 years of experience in advanced manufacturing, process improvement, and new product industrialization across the aerospace, electronics, appliance, and power distribution industries. He has led capital projects, implemented automated production systems, optimized plant layouts, and driven Lean, ACE, and Six Sigma initiatives that delivered significant cost, quality, and efficiency gains. Eric's work includes guiding cross-functional teams through APQP, pilot runs, and complex manufacturing transitions in both U.S. and international operations. His experience is supported by training in Lean, kaizen, plant layout, ergonomics, and Green Belt certifications. His deep technical background and practical, hands-on approach enable Iowa manufacturers to evaluate and adopt the best-fit Industry 4.0 technologies while delivering shop-floor process improvement and quality engineering.Serving CIRAS from 2021.