Milwaukee became a global tanning hub in the late 19th century thanks to the city's strategic location and abundant raw materials. Founded in 1929, Hydrite played a key role by supplying essential chemicals that streamlined tanning processes and improved leather quality. Early owners Richard C. Honkamp and Wayne W. Thompson expanded the company from tanning chemistry to other in-demand products like sulfuric acid, chlorine, and phosphoric acid, eventually entering the food processing sanitation space. Today, the company's portfolio of products, equipment, and services extends into numerous industries with a national footprint. We're proud to continue Richard and Wayne's legacy as we celebrate 97 years!
Hydrite is proud to be a gold sponsor of the annual Growth Energy Energy Executive Leadership Conference Feb. 11-14th in Scottsdale, AZ. Hydrite supports the biofuels industry by supplying specialized process chemicals, water treatment solutions, and technical expertise that help optimize fermentation, distillation, and overall plant efficiency. By improving yield, reliability, and sustainability across ethanol and biodiesel operations, Hydrite helps producers lower costs while meeting quality and regulatory requirements. Contact us to discuss your production goals:
As planting season approaches, now’s the time to confirm your potassium thiosulfate supply. Thio 25-17™, manufactured in Terre Haute (IN), Waterloo (IA), and Sacramento (CA), delivers essential nutrients for strong crop performance. We're proud to offer an American-made, high-quality, plant-safe product delivered via our robust production network and dedicated fleet of trucks and tankers. When your customers come knocking, we'll have the quick delivery and reliable supply you need to answer. Book your tons
Meet Craig 👋 Craig joined Hydrite in 2019 at the height of agriculture season at our Terre Haute (IN) plant as an ATS Loadout Operator. Nearly seven years later, he’s now Manufacturing Manager over truck bay operations, having worked his way up through lead and supervisor roles. When asked what’s kept him at Hydrite, Craig doesn’t hesitate—it’s the people. “Around here, it’s a brotherhood. We spend holidays together, we look out for each other.” That teamwork and trust is something Craig has helped build firsthand. “Most days there isn't just one person who can solve it alone—maintenance, operations, engineering—we all come together to get it done.” Craig never imagined himself in management. “I’ll never forget a 25-year Hydrite veteran telling me early on, ‘You’re going to run this thing one day.’ I didn’t believe it.” Hydrite’s investment in his development made that growth possible. “Any time I wanted to learn or get exposure to something new, Hydrite was there. I was never told no.” One of the most rewarding parts of Craig’s journey has been supporting plant expansion and building capability across all shifts, creating opportunities for others to grow alongside him. “I always say I wish everyone could see Hydrite the way I do. I come to work every day with the opportunity to better myself, grow, and help build something meaningful.” Thank you Craig for your leadership, commitment, and for shaping the culture at our Terre Haute plant 💙
There's always something new to learn at a Hydrite Academy training! Our first Food Safety, Sanitation, and Membrane training of the year was held at California State University, Fresno. We were welcomed by Postdoctoral Researcher Paulina A. Freire Vásconez, Ph.D. and the Dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire. Thank you for hosting! The Hydrite team was joined by Christian Wingate from Acuriant, a membrane equipment manufacturer. He shared insights on membrane sanitation performance and best practices. Check the training schedule for our next class and register your team online
Our goal: helping agriculture retailers & distributors get the products they need, when they need them 🌱 Connect with the Hydrite ag team next week in Peoria as we exhibit at the 2026 Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) Winter Convention. We're proud to be an American, family-owned company supplying high-quality products to the Midwest and beyond. Schedule a time to meet at the show:
Have you spotted a sparkling clean Hydrite tanker on the road? Cleaning trucks isn't just about upkeep - it's an important step to prevent cross-contamination, protect product quality, support employee safety, and maintain compliance. Our newly-upgraded truck wash at our Waterloo (IA) facility features heat‑recovery and smart water‑use monitoring, helping us reduce energy, conserve water, and clean safely and efficiently. Discover more ways Hydrite prioritizes safety + sustainability:
Are your plant employees equipped with the latest food safety and sanitation practices? Join us for Hydrite’s FREE Food Safety, Sanitation & Membrane Training at California State University, Fresno: 📍 Fresno State - Jordan Agricultural Research Center 📆 January 20-21st 🕗 8:00AM-4:30PM PT Whether you're onboarding new team members or upskilling your current staff, this training will help your team bring back actionable knowledge to help improve plant performance and compliance. Seating is limited - register today
Today we're celebrating employees who’ve recently reached major milestones with Hydrite. We’re grateful for your hard work, loyalty, and leadership! Our people are our greatest asset, and their dedication is what moves us forward as we celebrate the end of another great year 🎉
Hydrite is proud to collaborate with Digital Bridge to reduce e‑waste and advance digital equity across Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. This includes placing designated bins at all facilities for work‑related electronics, with twice‑a‑year opportunities for employees to dispose of personal e‑waste. By diverting electronic waste from landfills, we're helping conserve natural resources and reduce harmful pollutants, ensuring these items are repurposed for meaningful use ♻️
