Joe Biggerstaff has joined Harper Industries as vice president of engineering, stepping into a role vacated by the retirement of Mark Kiner.

Biggerstaff, who grew up in Medford, Okla., holds an ag engineering degree from Oklahoma State University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Wichita State University. Biggerstaff has previously worked for Case New Holland and Agco.

"I interned at Case New Holland doing some combine testing, then went to work right out of college with CNH in Wichita," Biggerstaff says. "But after about four years there I wanted to get back into the ag side of things, which is where my passion really is."

He joined Agco in design engineering and worked as a team lead on developing combine systems before becoming chief engineer for new product development.

During his eight years at Agco, Biggerstaff got to know Tim Penner and Luke Thornton, Harper Industries' president and vice president of operations, respectfully.

"I am a small-town kid," Biggerstaff says, "and the idea of working for a smaller, private company where you have more direct influence with customers had a lot of appeal for me.

"I really like the leadership here, and it is a move that just makes sense for me."

Harper Industries makes a varied line of agricultural, hydraulics and turf equipment, and Biggerstaff says he looks forward to putting his design experience to work developing new products for Harper.

"I want to build on the work that Mark did in his time here," Biggerstaff says. "I’m really pleased to be part of the team here."

Biggerstaff has served on the Harper board of directors for two years, and said he has been impressed with the community service spirit of the company.

"I like that the company is interested in supporting rural communities and economic development," he says.

"We thank Mark for his contribution to Harper during his three years here," Penner says. "We look forward to the vision Joe brings as he builds on Harper’s success from the last 20 years. Joe will bring new perspective on product processes as we continue to provide solutions to the markets we serve."

Biggerstaff says his family currently lives in Wichita, but his wife is a native of Garden Plain, and they are contemplating a move to that community.

Harper Industries builds equipment under the DewEze and Harper brand names. For more information about their diverse line of products, visit harperindustries.com.