AWPA Industry Voices
Member Spotlight: Jeff Hadlock, Leggett & Platt
At AWPA, we believe the future of the wire industry depends on the people leading it forward every day. That’s why we’re launching AWPA Industry Voices — a member spotlight series created to share the perspectives, experiences, and leadership shaping the North American wire industry.
Our first spotlight features Jeff Hadlock of Leggett & Platt, where he leads the company’s Rod, Wire, Spring (RWS) business unit. As Jeff explains, the business is “a vertically integrated steel rod, wire and spring producer” supplying both internal and external customers across North America. The operation converts steel rod into engineered drawn wire products used in bedding, furniture, automotive, industrial, and construction-related applications.
Jeff described today’s wire industry as one operating in “a very dynamic environment.” Producers are managing meaningful volatility in raw material costs, energy, labor, and trade conditions, while customers continue placing greater emphasis on reliability, technical performance, and value-added solutions.
For Jeff, navigating those challenges starts with staying focused on the fundamentals while remaining flexible. “That means controlling what we can — safety, quality, and cost management — while being realistic about what’s changing around us,” he shared. He also emphasized the importance of staying informed on market trends, regulatory changes, and trade situations that directly impact supply chains.
Jeff sees AWPA as an important part of helping the industry navigate those realities. “AWPA plays an essential role in supporting wire producers by serving as the collective voice of the industry,” he said. He pointed to the association’s advocacy work on trade and policy, along with the value of industry data, market insight, and networking opportunities that help members stay connected and informed.
Looking ahead, Jeff believes the industry’s success over the next three to five years will come down to “doing the basics exceptionally well while staying adaptable.” He noted that companies focused on safety, quality, cost control, people development, and strong customer relationships will be best positioned for the future.
Jeff’s career started through close engagement with operations and teams. “I started out working many different positions in a manufacturing environment,” he said. Over the years, opportunities for growth and new challenges helped shape his career, but what has kept him in the industry is “the people, the complexity of the business and the relationships built.” As Jeff put it, “It’s a business that you never quit learning something new.”
Through AWPA Industry Voices, AWPA is proud to spotlight the members and companies helping strengthen and advance the wire industry across North America.
Interested in being featured in a future AWPA Industry Voices spotlight? Contact the AWPA team — we’d love to share your story.
