KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Wolfgang Peter Ludwig died Jan. 3 at the age of 72 in Miramar Beach, Florida. Ludwig was known for his contributions to the meat processing industry as the founder of both Kingston, New York-based Wolf-tec and Jefferson, Georgia-based WTI (World Technology Ingredients).

Ludwig immigrated to the United States in 1967 at the age of 23 with his family. Before coming to America, he trained as a master sausage maker in Baden Baden, Germany. As he learned English and the American processing system over the next 30 years, he grew Wolf-tec into a well-established manufacturer of meat processing equipment.

A significant contribution from Ludwig was a new take on protein extraction and curing. He discovered that protein extraction and curing is optimum at very low temperatures, but higher temperatures are required to obtain the best possible distribution of curing ingredients and therefore, uniform color.

Chicago-based JBT Corp. purchased Wolf-tec for $54 million in late 2014.

The Ludwig family remains involved with WTI. Ludwig assumed the role of president and Chairman of the Board of WTI last May when Stephan Georg was promoted to CEO. 

Ludwig was inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame 2 years ago.

A Memorial Service will be held Jan. 6 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home in Miramar Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the Humane Society of Jackson County, in Jefferson, Georgia.