Last week, Horton Inc. in Britton invited the public to visit their facility. They had some exciting new developments to share, not the least of which was their new Offroad Center Building. The building is not only impressive in scope, but what it houses is also exciting not only for the company but also the area in general.
Founded in 1951, Horton originally focused on manufacturing industrial clutches. Over the years, the company has become global in scale and branched out greatly in their products. Director of Manufacturing Jim Boyko explained in a speech during an event last week that in 2015 when Cordell Dietz took over as the President and CEO of the company, he shared a vision. That vision was to diversify and reach other markets besides their on-highway products.
This diversification led Horton to pursue products for offroad commercial vehicles. “We’re talking markets that can benefit from Horton technology and products just like the semitrucks have since the 1970’s,” explained Boyko. “This includes industries like mining, construction, stationary and agriculture.”
“This building is ultimately the result of hundreds of people rowing the same way,” he noted. “From the Horton perspective, it allows us to diversify to other markets to stabilize the demand. Since 2013, Horton has increased its offroad products output to 36%. This includes supplying customers like Cat, Komatsu, Liebharr, and Paccar.”
The goal to build products for these customers would require space, a lot of space. Horton got started on the large building that would be the Offroad Center north of Britton in the fall of 2021. Boyko stated that the project required 35,000 tons of improved soil. The building was completed this spring. It is 55,000 square feet and has 15 miles of electric wire and eight miles of conduit. The space is very modern-looking with both natural lighting from 90 windows and 200 LED light fixtures.
In ceremonies and open houses last week, several state-of-the-art products were also highlighted within the new Offroad Center. These included viscous clutches used in the mining industry, including a huge one called Hercules. They also showcased an E-fan designed for a battery electric vehicle or a hydrogen fuel cell truck.
On Thursday’s grand opening of the building, several dignitaries were also present. President and CEO Dietz was there as were Representatives from both Senator Thune’s and Rounds’s offices plus Representative Dusty Johnson’s office.
In a letter from Senator Thune read by his representative Judy Vrchota, he stated, “I would like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to Horton’s on the completion of the Horton Offroad Center. Horton’s has been a constant contributor to the economic vitality of northeastern South Dakota since 1974. Your continued investment in in frastructure, commitment to growth, and advancement of technology is certainly commendable.” The daughters of Horton’s founder, Hugh Schilling, spoke at the ceremony as well.
Terry Gilberstadt who is Vice Chairman and a shareholder company, said the family is proud to have the facility and to be known as a leader in world class manufacturing. Lynn Brown, Board Member and Shareholder, agreed, emphasizing, “Horton has a vibrant past and now a constant future. Dad would be thrilled to see this facility today.”
