[Beaver Dam, Wisconsin – August 25, 2025] Apache Stainless, a leading manufacturer of high-quality stainless steel products, proudly announces its 50th anniversary in business!
Over the past five decades, Apache Stainless has grown from a small local business into a renowned industry leader, known for its expertise in design and manufacturing of stainless commercial equipment. The company’s recently expanded facility in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, includes updated technology in laser machining, product testing, and chemical finishing. This allows Apache Stainless to innovate to industries such as food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical, energy, and high-purity applications.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone,” said Jerry DeWitz, CEO of Apache Stainless. “Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our past and present employee-owners, as well as the partnerships with our customers. We look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence for many more years to come.”
Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation was incorporated on September 4, 1975. Founded by Duane Foulkes, Apache started shipping food manufacturing equipment early 1976. The current facility at 200 W Industrial Drive was constructed in 1983, and now markets four business segments: vessels, food processing (Mepaco), field services and contract manufacturing. Duane Foulkes sold the business in 2006, making Apache an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). After a half century, Apache, with four employees in 1975, now has 200 highly skilled employee-owners.
To commemorate this special occasion, Apache Stainless hosted an employee, retiree and partners celebration on September 25th to celebrate the company’s rich history and express gratitude to employees, retirees and family members.
Apache was presented with recognition awards by Glen Grothman, Mark Born and Amy Resop of Ron Johnson’s office. In addition to employees and families, Duane Foulkes, representatives from Employee Owned Brands, our parent company, and many partner and chamber of commerce community members were in attendance.
As Apache Stainless looks to the future, it will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology, efficiency initiatives and processes to ensure it remains the industry leaders for the engineering, manufacturing and service of heavy-duty, sanitary design, and ASME quality stainless equipment.
