WMC Program Celebrates Manufacturing Heritage Giants
MADISON – John “Jack” Link was announced as the newest inductee of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Hall of Fame, a program of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association.
Born and raised in Minong, Wisconsin, Link learned the fundamentals of meat processing at an early age in his family’s butcher shop. After the family meatpacking business closed, he identified an opportunity to improve the quality and consistency of meat snacks available in the marketplace.
Drawing on his great-grandfather’s recipes and traditional smoking methods, Link developed protein products made from real cuts of beef. His continued leadership and vision helped popularize jerky as a mainstream, on-the-go snack across international markets.
Today, Link Snacks, Inc., is a globally renowned brand recognized for beef jerky, meat sticks, and protein snacks. The company, still family-owned, is now the largest manufacturer of jerky in the world, boasting ownership of over a third of the U.S. meat snacks market.
“When we re-launched the Manufacturing Hall of Fame, we wanted to seize an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the lifetime achievements of manufacturing leaders who have shaped Wisconsin history,” said WMC President/CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “Jack Link has made an undeniable impact on our state with his leadership, persistent innovation, philanthropy and local investment, and more. He is a wonderful and deserved addition to the Hall of Fame.”
Link is the 81st inductee and joins Don Wahlin (Stoughton Trailers) and Ron Wanek (Ashley Furniture Industries) as the third modern inductee. Historical Wisconsin industry titans named in the program include Jerome Case, Patrick Cudahy, Kurtis Froedtert, Henry Harnischfeger, Samuel Curtis Johnson, John Kimberly, Walter Kohler, Oscar Mayer, George Mead, Frederick Miller, Charles Nash, Gustave Pabst, F.J. Sensenbrenner, Arthur O. Smith, and Reuben Trane.
“Being inducted into the Wisconsin Manufacturing & Commerce Hall of Fame is a true honor,’ said Jack Link. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside family and Team Members who’ve become family, grounded in hard work, values, and our Wisconsin roots. This recognition belongs to our entire team and everyone who’s been part of the 40-year journey. I’m grateful and excited for what’s ahead.”
The induction ceremony will be held the evening of Feb. 19 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee as part of the annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) awards. The Wisconsin Manufacturing Hall of Fame is presented by First Business Bank.
About Link Snacks:
Link Snacks is a global powerhouse in protein snacking—and the home of Jack Link’s, one of the most recognizable meat snack brands in the world. Born and still rooted in Minong, Wisconsin, Link Snacks was founded by Jack Link himself and is a family-owned company built on uncompromising quality, relentless innovation, and a belief that real protein fuels real people. Since 1985, Link Snacks has grown into a global force in protein snacking, operating facilities across 11 countries, all united by one mission: craft awesome snacks that raise the bar for the entire industry. From bold jerkies to high-quality sticks, steaks, slices and bites, Link Snacks delivers premium protein snacks in flavors, sizes, and formats for every consumer, every appetite, and every occasion. Our portfolio includes some of the most iconic and fastest‑growing brands in the world: Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Wild River®, Golden Island®, Country Fresh Meats®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!®.
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