Meet Bridget, Plant Manager at Paragon Medical

• OUR PEOPLE
• Monday, September 15, 2025

Meet Bridget, Plant Manager at Paragon Medical

Paragon Medical delivers optimal solutions for the medical device industry, specializing in areas like orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, and drug delivery.

As Plant Manager for Paragon's Montevideo, MN, facility, Bridget oversees daily operations - ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, optimizing production efficiency, and maintaining high-quality output. She leads cross-functional teams and drives continuous improvement initiatives to meet safety, quality, and delivery goals. We caught up with her while attending AMETEK University - a three-day training and development program for leaders and future leaders of AMETEK. Learn more about her AMETEK journey!

How did your AMETEK career begin?

I hold a degree in Pre-Medicine, and when my family relocated to Montevideo, I was excited to see an opening at an AMETEK facility specializing in medical components. During my initial interview and tour, I was immediately drawn to the innovative products and welcoming company culture. That began my AMETEK journey!

I started in the purchasing department, and over the next four years, I had a chance to work closely with colleagues across various departments, as well as connect with our customers and suppliers. Those experiences helped me build strong professional relationships and a deep understanding of our business. In 2018, I was honored to take on a new challenge as Plant Manager, transitioning into operations and continuing to grow within the organization.

By nature, medical components can have a very personal connection to the customers they serve. How does this knowledge shape your business's culture?

There's a strong sense of pride in our work because we know the impact it has. Many of our employees have personal stories about how our products helped someone they know, including myself. My grandfather underwent emergency surgery, and components from our AMETEK facility in Waukegan, IL, were used in his procedure. He now carries a medical card and proudly tells people that his life was saved by something his granddaughter's company helped create.

That kind of connection - to the people we serve and the lives we touch - is incredibly powerful. It reminds all of us that the work we do makes a difference, not just in our local communities, but around the world.

"There's a wealth of knowledge across our various locations and businesses, and that network of support has really helped me grow both personally and professionally."

What else motivates you about your position?

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is collaborating across departments and with such a talented team. I enjoy asking questions that challenge us to think differently and explore new perspectives - it's a great way to spark innovation and drive continuous improvement. I'm driven by the high standards our teams set, and when I'm doing my job well, I'm helping our factory teams succeed in delivering life-saving medical components.

How has AMETEK supported you in your position?

AMETEK has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey here. There's a wealth of knowledge across our various locations and businesses, and that network of support has really helped me grow both personally and professionally. AMETEK's commitment to investing in its people is something I truly value. Programs like AMETEK University and other training initiatives empower employees to grow and pursue their career goals.

What other professional development opportunities have you participated in while a part of Team AMETEK?

I've been fortunate to benefit from one-on-one mentorship opportunities that have shaped my leadership style, especially through the AMETEK Women's Business Committee. The mentors were incredibly generous with their time and insights, and I'm grateful for their guidance.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Manufacturers Alliance Women's Leadership Conference and connect with female colleagues from across AMETEK. This event was sponsored by the AMETEK Foundation to create an opportunity that brought our colleagues from several AMETEK businesses together. I enjoyed attending sessions discussing the importance of sponsorship for women in manufacturing and how today's leaders can be the strongest allies to lift up the next generation of leaders. It's inspiring to work for a company that actively supports professional development and encourages continuous learning.