Hach Company

Hach Company. It is a global manufacturer and distributor of analytical instruments, test kits, and reagents used primarily for water quality analysis. Founded by chemist Clifford C. Hach in 1947, the company established its headquarters in Loveland, Colorado. Hach is recognized as a leader in providing solutions for the monitoring and assessment of water in environmental, industrial, and municipal applications, operating as a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Danaher Corporation.

History

The company's origins trace to its founder, Clifford C. Hach, who developed simplified methods for water hardness testing while working for the Iowa State Highway Commission. In 1947, he founded the Hach Chemical Company in Ames, Iowa, initially focusing on test kits for boiler water. A pivotal early contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation helped establish its reputation. The company relocated to Loveland, Colorado in 1968, building a significant manufacturing and research presence there. Its growth was marked by the development of portable colorimeters and early digital instruments, leading to its acquisition by the Danaher Corporation in 1999, which integrated it into its Water Quality Platform.

Products and services

Hach's portfolio encompasses a wide range of analytical solutions for water testing. Core products include portable and benchtop instruments such as spectrophotometers, turbidimeters, and pH meters. The company also manufactures extensive lines of chemical reagents, test kits, and prepared media for microbiological analysis. Its offerings extend to online process analyzers and monitoring systems used for continuous water quality assessment. Complementary services include technical support, instrument calibration, and comprehensive training programs conducted globally to support its installed base of equipment.

Acquisitions and corporate structure

As part of Danaher Corporation, Hach has been both an acquirer and a platform for consolidation within the water analytics sector. Significant historical acquisitions include the instrument manufacturer American Sigma and the process analytics business of Polymetron. Under Danaher, the Hach brand has served as the cornerstone for the conglomerate's Water Quality Platform, which has incorporated other notable companies such as OTT Hydromet and Radiometer Analytical. This structure allows for shared operational strategies under the Danaher Business System while maintaining distinct product lines and go-to-market strategies for different segments of the water testing market.

Applications and industries served

Hach products are deployed across diverse sectors where water quality is critical. A primary market is municipal water and wastewater treatment, supporting utilities in compliance with regulations like the Safe Drinking Water Act. In the industrial sector, applications include monitoring for power generation facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food and beverage production. Environmental monitoring agencies, such as the United States Geological Survey, utilize Hach equipment for field analysis of surface water and groundwater. The company's solutions are also essential in educational and research institutions, including universities and commercial laboratories like Eurofins.

Technology and innovation

Technological development at Hach has historically focused on simplifying complex wet chemistry procedures into reliable, user-friendly methods. Key innovations include the development of pre-measured, sealed reagent packets known as Powder Pillows and the digital DR Spectrophotometer series. More recent advancements involve integrating digital connectivity through platforms like Hach Connect, enabling data management and remote monitoring. The company invests in research areas such as spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, and molecular spectroscopy to develop new tests for emerging contaminants, often in collaboration with regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency.

Corporate affairs and impact

Headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, Hach operates major facilities in the United States, Germany, and China, with a distribution network spanning over 100 countries. The company plays a significant role in global water stewardship, often partnering with organizations like the World Health Organization on water safety initiatives. Its products are instrumental in ensuring regulatory compliance for thousands of utilities and industries worldwide, directly impacting public health and environmental protection. As a key entity within Danaher Corporation, it contributes to the performance of the S&P 500 index constituent and is subject to the corporate governance and sustainability reporting standards of its parent company. Category:American companies established in 1947 Category:Manufacturing companies based in Colorado Category:Water technology companies