[1] Founded in 1945, by Carl Hirsch, when he opened a butcher shop and named it after his hometown community of Johnsonville, Wisconsin.

Ralph Stayer became a business partner and took over the business when Carl Hirsch abruptly passed away at age 56. it is one of the largest sausage producers in the United States and the largest sausage brand by revenue in the United States.

[3][1] In 2024, based on a survey of 170,000 U.S.-based workers at American companies, Johnsonville was named among the nation's top midsize employers.

[7] Explaining why it sponsors cornhole, the company's director over strategic growth said the game is played, "where people enjoy our products--in backyards during barbecues and tailgate parties.

"[8] Also in 2016 Johnsonville began sponsoring BaconFest, a fundraising event in Naples, Florida, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Pelican Bay.