On the south side of Ames, across 17 acres of innovation, stands a company quietly making waves in the world of water. Hach, a name recognized by scientists and engineers across the globe, started from humble beginnings—born in 1947 in a garage thanks to the vision of Clifford and Kitty Hach. Today, it spans more than 200,000 square feet over four buildings, shaping the science of water quality and carrying forward a legacy rooted deeply in Iowa soil.
More Than Just Water
Though Hach doesn’t treat water directly, its work is critical to keeping water safe. The company develops chemicals and instruments used in water quality testing, ensuring that water in cities, industries, and ecosystems meets the highest standards. From laboratory benches to remote fieldwork, Hach equipment provides precise, reliable measurements that help protect communities and the environment.
Hach’s solutions give operators and managers the confidence they need to make crucial decisions—whether that’s ensuring compliance, improving energy efficiency, or reducing waste in production. “Be confident in your water analysis,” they say.
Roots in Ames, Reach Across the World
Despite its global presence—with operations across the United States, a headquarters in Colorado, a parent company based in Massachusetts, and a distribution center in Illinois—Ames remains the beating heart of Hach. It’s where the chemistry happens—literally.
The Ames facility is home to the production of testing powders, manufactures test strips commonly used for items like hot tubs, and biological tools that allow researchers and professionals to assess stream and river health. In a unique partnership with Story County, Hach employees pull samples from the South Skunk River every other Friday using their own equipment, helping to monitor and understand the local ecosystem.
Hach also treats its own wastewater before returning it to the city—a testament to the company’s environmental responsibility, further exemplified by their internal “Green Team” committed to sustainability initiatives.
A Culture Built to Last
With nearly 300 employees at its Ames location, Hach is more than a workplace—it’s a community. The average employee has been with the company for more than 9 years, a reflection of a culture grounded in purpose and precision. A sculpture outside the facility titled “Atomium” nods to the company’s chemical roots, and inside, teams lean into LEAN engineering practices, striving to reduce cost and waste at every step of the production process.
Partnerships also shape the company’s DNA. Through a collaboration with Mainstream Living, 13 individuals with disabilities contribute meaningfully to Hach’s operations. The engineering team is almost entirely made up of Iowa State University alumni, and internships through Iowa State remain a vital pipeline for talent. Hach also partners with the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) to engage in data collection and career development.
The journey from Clifford and Kitty’s garage to a global network is more than a business success story—it’s a story about vision, perseverance, and purpose. It’s about treating water with the respect it deserves and empowering people with the tools to protect it.
So next time you cross the South Skunk River or turn on the tap, remember: some of the science keeping your water safe might just have come from a lab right here in Ames.
Learn more about Hach on the website: www.hach.com
