Hydro-Thermal Corporation Marks 90th Anniversary

Hydro-Thermal Corporation has a rich history dating back to the early 1930s. From its beginnings in Wisconsin's paper mills to its current global presence, the company has continually evolved, driven by a commitment to American-made technology and customer satisfaction.

This legacy of innovation has been carried forward through generations of the Zaiser family and the dedication of its employees, each leaving an mark on the company's journey.

In the early 1930s, industrialist Harry Schauer revolutionized Wisconsin's paper mills with his Hydroheater technology, developed in collaboration with engineers at Kimberly-Clark. By 1934, the Hydroheater became a pivotal component in chemical reactions, heating byproducts and providing precise hot water, marking the beginning of a new era in industrial heating solutions.

The Zaiser family acquired the Hydroheater business in 1964, renaming it Hydro-Thermal Corporation. Under the leadership of Donald Zaiser, the company expanded its reach, serving industry giants such as ADM, Cargill and Corn Products Company, significantly enhancing corn-based sugar production processes.

In 1979, the second generation of the family legacy began with Gary Zaiser taking the helm and expanding the company's influence into the grain-based ethanol and chemical industries, forging collaborations with companies such as Ashland Chemical and EI DuPontI. Under Gary’s guidance, Hydro-Thermal’s product line has expanded as the Skid systems, Sanitary Hydroheater, Solaris heater, and EZ Heater were introduced into the market. Additionally, patents were secured on many of our products to cement our product legacy into the market.

Jim Zaiser continues this three-generation legacy, driving product diversification, international expansion and system integration. Jim has aided in the launch of the Infuze heater, Silverline, NOH (Non-Obstructing Heater), and Hydron Sanitary Hydroheater, while continuing to explore in other markets such as brewing.

Hydro-Thermal remains a leader in direct steam heating, expanding its each and implementation into other industries including food, dairy, beverage, agriculture, renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals and wastewater.

Join the editorial staff of FE and Refrigerated & Frozen Foods as we share how business is doing, what’s affecting business, and where companies are spending money, if at all.

This R&FF webinar will focus on an overall look at the “state of the industry,” with a research and statistical focus on some of the consumer trends driving product development, as well as a look at the cold storage landscape and how F&B manufacturers and processors can best work with third-party logistics (3PLS) and cold storage providers.