Roy H. Link Receives Prestigious Ann O. Fletcher Award for Outstanding Service
Link Engineering Company recently celebrated the remarkable achievement of its Chairman, Roy H. Link, who was awarded the distinguished 2026 Ann O. Fletcher Award for Outstanding Service. The recognition, presented by The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) and its Affiliate Council, honors individuals who exhibit exceptional dedication and service within the engineering realm. This prestigious award is named after Ann O. Fletcher, acknowledging her invaluable contributions to ESD.
Roy Link's journey with LINK began in 1970, embodying a legacy established by his father, Herbert Wolfgang Link, who founded the enterprise in 1935. Under Roy's leadership, the company evolved from a modest family-owned venture into a global powerhouse specializing in innovative testing solutions and specialty equipment. His influence has been crucial since he took the helm as CEO and President in 1989, steering LINK to unprecedented success through a combination of vision, commitment, and a strong team of associates.
Beyond his impactful role at LINK, Roy has significantly contributed to the advancement of the engineering community at both local and global levels. He has served on numerous boards and has taken on leadership positions within industry organizations, including his past presidency at ESD. His commitment to fostering innovation is evident in his involvement with the Rackham Foundation, where he has previously chaired and currently serves as treasurer. Furthermore, Roy's service encompasses a current role as the Chair of the Executive Committee of the College of Fellows.
Roy's dedication to humanitarian efforts was recognized in 2015 when he received the Horace Rackham Humanitarian Award from ESD, reflecting his significant community impact and outstanding achievements in the engineering sector.
During his acceptance speech for the Ann O. Fletcher Award, Link expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with ESD, stating, "I am incredibly humbled to work with ESD and do my part in supporting the industry. The impact that this organization, and all of those that are a part of it, have on reinforcing innovation and supporting the next generation of engineers is invaluable. It has been an honor and privilege to work with so many great leaders in the industry through my decades with ESD, and I am all the richer for it."
Link Engineering, under the Link Group, Inc. umbrella, encompasses a range of businesses dedicated to providing tailored solutions aimed at delivering exceptional value to their customers. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing high-precision testing, research, simulation, quality control, and thermal solution equipment, alongside offering comprehensive testing services. Established in Plymouth, Michigan, LINK is proud to remain family-owned, now led by the second and third generation of the Link family. The expertise found within LINK's long-standing team, many of whom have dedicated decades to the company, allows them to deliver intricate solutions that meet the demanding needs of clients globally.
The Engineering Society of Detroit, founded in 1895, is one of the oldest and largest multidisciplinary engineering organizations in the United States. Its mission is to promote excellence and innovation while supporting professional growth across Michigan's engineering and scientific communities. ESD plays a crucial role in fostering education and industry collaboration, preparing today’s professionals to lead the next generation of technical experts.
Roy H. Link's recognition with the Ann O. Fletcher Award stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to the field of engineering and unwavering commitment to community service. As he continues to inspire both current and future generations, his legacy within the engineering sector is firmly established, ensuring that both LINK and the broader community flourish in innovative progress.