LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Jay Wenther, Ph.D., was appointed director of Meat Technology for Handtmann, Inc., effective Feb. 18.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to refocus on the processing aspect of the meat industry, which was ultimately the reason I pursued my academics and entered the field,” Wenther said.


Wenther resigned as executive director of the American Association of Meat Processors, a position he held since 2007, to take the job. He will oversee field applications and management of the Arthur Handtmann Technology Center in Lake Forest.

“We think Jay’s extensive academic experience and practical knowledge of the commercial meat processing industry is a perfect match for our innovative culture and the service goals we have set,” said Tom Kittle, president of Handtmann. “He will be guiding the development of our Handtmann Technology Center programs and assisting our clients with customized services that support their search for new value.”

Wenther will coordinate meat-related activities at Handtmann’s technology center, including testing logistics and processes, customer support in the design or improvement of recipes and the development and delivery of training courses. He will also be responsible for testing and commissioning of Handtmann linking and stuffing technologies, consulting with customers and troubleshooting installations and processing projects.

“Jay’s credentials in meat science, his deep understanding of meat production and his ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely are a valuable combination of skills in the field, in support of our sales and service teams and in the Technology Center,” Kittle said. “We look forward to the value he adds for our customers.”