Lynchburg’s Hidden Powerhouse: How Automated Conveyor Systems Leads a Global Industry

For nearly half a century, Automated Conveyor Systems (ACS) has been a cornerstone of Lynchburg’s industrial sector, quietly revolutionizing the corrugated box industry and shaping the way materials move through production facilities.

Founded in 1975 by James Taylor and George Ramsey, ACS has expanded from its early days on Kemper Street to a 230,000-square-foot facility on Millrace Drive, employing approximately 300 people. Today, ACS works nationwide and across North and South America, with major clients including International Paper, Georgia Pacific, and Packaging Corporation of America.

The Backbone of the Corrugated Box Industry

ACS specializes in designing and manufacturing conveyor systems that automate the movement of corrugated products through box production plants. As demand for packaging surges in the e-commerce era, automation has become essential.

“We manufacture the equipment that moves product through corrugated box plants,” said CEO Mike Shenigo. “From the corrugator to the final processing machines, our systems ensure smooth, automated movement—eliminating the need for manual handling, which simply can’t keep up with today’s demand.”

With a reputation for reliability and innovation, ACS has proven itself as the largest conveyor company in the United States—and possibly the world—in its industry.

A Family Legacy in Leadership

While ACS’s success has been built on technology and innovation, its leadership has remained deeply rooted in family values and long-term vision.

Mike Shenigo grew up watching his father, Michael George Shenigo, lead the company until his passing in 2013. Though he never planned to follow in his father’s footsteps, a conversation in the early 1990s changed his perspective.

“My dad started talking to me about working with him,” Shenigo recalled. “And what ultimately made me decide to join ACS was that I didn’t want to look back someday and think, ‘I could have worked with my dad, and I didn’t.’”

Shenigo joined ACS and learned under both his father and former company president Dave Smith. “They let me run things without interfering, but anytime I had a question, they were more than willing to help,” he said. “They watched me make mistakes and figure things out, which was the best way to learn.”

Today, Shenigo’s son, Michael Paul Shenigo, works as one of ACS seven Regional Sales Managers.

Investing in People: A Pathway to Success

Beyond its innovative technology, ACS prides itself on investing in its workforce. The company offers career opportunities for both high school and college graduates, providing on-the-job training, competitive wages, and career growth opportunities without the burden of student debt.

“If someone starts with us right out of high school, within four years, they’ll likely have more money in the bank than many college graduates—and no debt,” the company notes. For those pursuing degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering, ACS provides real-world experience and career pathways in an industry that continues to expand.

ACS also supports its traveling workforce by covering lodging expenses, offering per diem allowances, and allowing employees to keep air miles and hotel points. Some ACS employees have even been able to save their entire paycheck while living off per diem and buy a home within a few years.

Employee retention remains a key priority at ACS. With competitive salaries, strong benefits, and a bonus system of one day’s pay for every year, a person has been with the company. “If someone stays with ACS for three to five years, they often make a career out of it,” Shenigo said. “We’ve even had years where we paid bonuses twice.”

A Customer-First Approach

Unlike many corporations that answer to private equity firms, ACS remains a privately held company, allowing it to prioritize customer satisfaction over short-term financial gain.

“From day one, our focus has been on making the customer happy,” Shenigo said. “Sometimes that means taking a short-term loss, but it ensures long-term loyalty. Our clients trust that our equipment works, and they know we always deliver.”

Growing in the Community

Despite its national and international presence, ACS is still one of Lynchburg’s best-kept secrets. To change that, the company is increasing community engagement and expanding its local workforce. ACS already sponsors events like Flags of Honor in September and is actively looking to attract local talent.

With over 50% of ACS’s current product line having been developed in just the past 15 to 20 years, innovation stays at the heart of the company’s success. “About 20% of our products today weren’t even made five years ago,” Shenigo notes. “The industry keeps evolving, and we’re evolving with it.”

From innovative automation to employee-driven success, ACS has proven that a company founded nearly 50 years ago can still lead the way in industrial innovation. While many in Lynchburg may not realize it, one of the most successful conveyor companies in the world is right in their backyard.