Manitowoc in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Briess K-Ball Roaster

Photographed by Bob Cook, July 30, 2026

1. Briess K-ball Roaster Marker

Inscription. Celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2026, BRIESS honors a heritage of malting excellence as a 5th generation family-owned company. One of the most transformative chapters began in Chilton, Wisconsin, in 1953. That year marked the installation of K-Ball roasters, manufactured by G.W. Barth, which propelled BRIESS into the forefront of caramel and dark roasted malt production. With a skilled team of maltsters overseeing these iconic rotating spheres, and each batch yielding 600 pounds of flavorful malt, BRIESS refined its craftsmanship, tripling domestic and export shipments by the 1960s. K-Ball roasters remained in use until being replaced by modern drum roasters in 1978. By that time, they had laid the foundation for BRIESS to be recognized as the global leader in roasted malts for food and craft beer. These K-Balls stand as enduring symbols of BRIESS' quality, service, and innovation.

Erected 2026 by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 44° 5.47′ N, 87° 39.337′ W. Marker is in Manitowoc,

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Wisconsin, in Manitowoc County. It is at the intersection of Quay Street and S. 6th Street, on the right when traveling east on Quay Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 607 Quay Street, Manitowoc WI 54220, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fred Schultz Residence (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Century of Service: Manitowoc Public Library 1900-2000 (about 500 feet away); Ralph Clark Huston Jr. (about 500 feet away); U.S.S. Cobia (about 500 feet away); U.S.S. Peto (SS 265) (about 500 feet away); U.S.S. Pogy (SS 266) (about 500 feet away); U.S.S. Pompon (SS 267) (about 500 feet away); U.S.S. Puffer (SS 268)

Photographed by Bob Cook, July 30, 2026

2. Briess K-ball Roaster Marker

Marker beside a K-ball roaster, put up for Briess’ 150th anniversary in 2026.

(about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manitowoc.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Manitowoc's Maritime Heritage (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Across the street from a public parking lot. Marker is on the grass by the side of the road.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2026, by Bob Cook of Chicago, Illinois. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2026, by Bob Cook of Chicago, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.