Jackson Manufacturing Values Work of Disabled Individuals

Jack Hasken could have made a different decision, but there are plenty of people in Maquoketa who believe he made a good one in February 2013.

That’s when Hasken, president and chief executive officer of Jackson Manufacturing, purchased a struggling plastic injection molding company from DAC Inc., a nonprofit agency that serves more than 200 people with mental, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in the Jackson County area. DAC had owned the manufacturing firm, then called A-DAC Industries, since 1996 and operated it as a for-profit company to provide DAC clients with jobs at a competitive wage.

Hasken took over the manufacturing business but kept DAC employees on board—with support from Jackson Manufacturing’s main customers.

“Our two largest customers know their products are assembled by people with disabilities, and they are extremely happy knowing these individuals help make a difference,” Hasken said. “It’s been that way for years, and I was proud to continue this once I took over.”

While Hasken and 12 staff members drum up sales and update outdated equipment, about 20 DAC employees rotate through eight positions at Jackson, creating parts using a special assembly table with eight stations. On an average day, the DAC employees assemble 5,000 roller pieces.

“For Jack to value our mission and keep it going was perfect for DAC,” said Lenae Owen, DAC’s director of vocational services. “Jackson Manufacturing gives our employees the opportunity to truly integrate in a work setting and be part of the larger community.”

*originally published in CIRAS Winter 2015 newsletter (click here for full newletter)