Hydratight Celebrates Antigo Expansion with a Mix of Confidence, Memories

On the eve of a celebration, Hydratight employees paused to remember one of their own this morning.

As the company introduced its expansive new addition, friends and family of the late Andy Bertsch unveiled a plaque dedicating the 10,000 square foot project in his honor. Bertsch wife, Cynthia, and daughter, Callie were on hand for the ceremony, which also included a table set up with a golden shovel, flowers, a photo and a plaque remembering the longtime Hydratight employee.

Bertsch died Feb. 25 at the age of 65. He worked in a variety of capacities over his 34 years at Hydratight, most recently as continuous improvement project leader.

He showed dedication and pride in his work and had a long history of successes, Chad DeLuka, global finance leader for Menomonee Falls-based Actuant, Hydratight’s parent company, said. It was one of the key reasons we decided to expand here. In his memory, we dedicate this facility.

Hydratight announced the expansion publicly almost exactly a year ago, on Nov. 12, 2015, and within months work was well underway.

Infused with a $50,000 grant from the city of Antigo, the company introduced a new manufacturing process here that required the relocation of specialized equipment from other Hydratight facilities, retaining 43 existing jobs while adding about a dozen more to the workforce.

This is an incredible day, DeLuka said. This project was really for the employees and the city of Antigo.

DeLuka called the plant here Hydratight’s flagship operation, noting it is one of two manufacturing plants operated by the company, providing $60 million in revenue.

It is a very impactful site, he said.

The dedication ceremony was followed by an open house, tours and a ribbon-cutting by members of the Antigo-Langlade County Chamber of Commerce.

Following the event, Antigo Mayor Bill Brandt said the tours focused on both Hydratight’s expansion component and other parts of the operations there.

This was a great project for the city of Antigo and Hydratight, the mayor said. It was a win-win situation.

Hydratight traces its roots to Sweeney, founded in 1901, and was known for many years as Hydratight Sweeney.

The company manufactures high-end torque and tension bolting equipment for industrial applications.

From left, Hydratight Plant Manager Brad Schulz, Callie Bertsch, Cynthia Bertsch and Todd Stensberg, operations manager, at this morning’s dedication ceremony and open house.

Source: Antigo Daily Journal