Most people don’t know this, but the Johnsonville brand has much more to offer than just the delicious sausage that you’ve come to know and love. Johnsonville is part of a larger enterprise, Johnsonville Holdings, that offers exceptional strategy and innovation within the sausage industry and beyond.
To better understand more about how Sustainable Swine Resources, Johnsonville, and other companies within Johnsonville Holdings work together, we’ve pulled together some valuable information that may help.
What is 1945 Capital?
1945 Capital is a privately owned, parent entity that encompasses all of Johnsonville. This means that there are several other divisions that feed into it. The dynamic structure of 1945 Capital is what allows it to constantly grow and evolve with the changing market landscape.
Being privately owned has its advantages, and some of those advantages are streamlined decision making, and the long-term vision.
- Streamlined Decision Making
Small ownership allows for agile and quick decision making when necessary and allows the company to swiftly adapt to different trends and challenges.
- Long-Term Vision
Being privately owned means that 1945 Capital is free from the pressure of the stock market and quarterly reviews. This means that the focus of the group can be on long-term planning and innovation, rather than being affected by the short-term fluctuations of the stock market.
Branches of 1945 Capital
There are two branches within 1945 Capital that closely relate to SSR, and they are Johnsonville, LLC and Johnsonville Ventures. These divisions exemplify the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaborative growth.
- Johnsonville, LLC
This branch of Johnsonville is the one most people are familiar with. These are going to be your different brats, sausages, and more. The connection of Johnsonville, LLC and Sustainable Swine Resources revolves around their commitment to minimizing waste.
During their sausage production, approximately 40% of the pig is unused for sausage. This extra material, however, is not just thrown away. Sustainable Swine Resources takes these over-looked parts, such as the heart, pancreas, and liver, and repurposes them for different applications.
- Johnsonville Ventures
Johnsonville Ventures is the investment arm of the company. This division specializes in supporting innovative ideas, many of which, align with Johnsonville’s mission and values. Johnsonville Ventures focuses on three primary investment categories: Ag/AgTech/FoodTech, Lifescience, and Emerging Tech.
- AgTech/FoodTech
Johnsonville recognizes the importance of advancing agricultural practices for the well-being of the animals and the environment. Investments in autonomous tractors, vaccine research for farm animals, and upcycling ag residues into valuable dietary fiber are aimed at making food production more efficient, sustainable, and humane.
In a world where food consumption and packaging are undergoing significant transformations, Johnsonville Ventures is actively investing in technologies that improve both. From plant-based proteins to eco-friendly packaging materials, the company is committed to improving food quality while minimizing environmental impact.
- Lifescience
Johnsonville Ventures also collaborates with partners that convert porcine collagen and cartilage into valuable medical devices. These devices are used for wound healing, cardiovascular care and orthopedic procedures. The field of regenerative medicine is quickly evolving, and the use of porcine tissue will continue to grow given its similarity to human tissue. 1945 Capital contributes to the broader life sciences field, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that enhance health care and improve patient outcomes
- Emerging Tech
Robotics in food processing, diagnostics for human and animal care and SaaS platforms for the creator/influencer community make up some of the emerging tech investments. These technologies are often disruptive and require a longer time horizon to achieve scale. As patient investors, Johnsonville Ventures works closely with its portfolio companies in serving as pilot customers and determining the best course for company growth.
Working Together
1945 Capitals‘ unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and strategic diversification has paved the way for a successful journey that spans from the culinary world to the healthcare industry. As it continues to explore new avenues and invest in innovative ideas, Johnsonville Holdings serves as a remarkable example of a company that not only adapts to change but actively shapes its trajectory for a more sustainable future.