On May 15, 1999, the wire industry lost one of its' staunchest supporters and friends. Jerry Hudkins, President of the Wire Division of Leggett and Platt, Inc., died at the age of 63. Jerry, who was also a corporate Vice President, joined Leggett and Platt in 1980 and was instrumental in the enormous growth in the wire group and related divisions and subsidiaries.
Jerry's industry leadership was evident in his commitment to the American Wire Producers Association (AWPA) where he been on the Board of Directors since AWPA's formation in 1981. At the time of his death, Jerry was a Vice President of AWPA serving on the Executive Committee and the Government Relations Advisory Committee. While his leadership role was a major focus, Jerry could always be found in Membership and Statistics Committee meetings actively selling the association and it's important projects. His extensive knowledge of the industry made him a critical resource and participant in all of the committee work and on the Board of Directors. Jerry also served as President of the Independent Wire Producers Association, a predecessor organization to the AWPA.
Jerry began his career in the steel industry at Penn Dixie Steel upon graduation from Tri-State College, Angola, IN. For over 23 years he held such positions as Sales Representative, Assistant Regional Sales Manager, Industrial Division Sales Manager, and President of two operating divisions, Blue Island and Centerville. Jerry always had a story of his days on the road as a salesman, as he taught the next generation of wire industry leaders.
Jerry is sorely missed for his devotion and dedication to the wire industry, Leggett and Platt and his family and friends.
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American Wire Producers Association
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 211
Alexandria, VA 22314-1757
Tel (703) 299-4434 | Fax (703) 299-9233 | E-mail info@awpa.org | Web: www.awpa.org
