Hydrite, an integrated manufacturer and supplier of industrial chemicals and related services, announced that it is celebrating its 95th anniversary.
On February 6, 1929, Hydrite started as a supplier to the tanning industry in Milwaukee, which was a hotspot for tanneries, one of which was supplying the leather harnesses used by the U.S. Armed Services. When the Great Depression hit, the previous owners of Hydrite were looking to sell the company. Seeing an opportunity, Wayne Thompson and Richard Honkamp left their jobs in 1935 and purchased a majority share in Hydrite.