It is our 50th year in business! A lot has happened in our first 50; here are the milestones!
September 4th, 1975
Duane Foulkes incorporated Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation on September 4th, 1975. Duane had worked for Oscar Meyer in Madison, Wisconsin, which had a need for stainless food processing equipment.
March 1976
With four employees, the first order was shipped from 301 South Center St., Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, a 14,000 sq. ft building, the first location of Apache Stainless.
August 1983
Construction began on a new 48,000 sq. ft. facility, and the current address, 200 W Industrial Drive, Beaver Dam. The corporate philosophy was dedication to quality products and timely delivery. By 1983 Apache is quoted to have 60 employees.
December 1983
Apache shipped the first equipment manufactured at 200 W Industrial Drive. Three large storage tanks were transported to Cargill in Iowa.
August 1984
Kari-Kool line was purchased from the Dairy Equipment Company in Madison, Wisconsin. It operated as Kari-Kool Transports, Inc., producing stainless steel transport trailers.
October 1990
A 20,000 sq. ft. plant was built in Plover, Wisconsin, named the Metal Fabrication Group. In the early 1990’s, non-sanitary tanks were fabricated in Plover, including vessels for the pulp and paper industry.
December 1993
Mepaco was purchased in 1993, moving the assets from Oakland, California. Mepaco became a food processing brand under Apache Stainless. The purchase included Vortron, out of Beloit, Wisconsin, which was a manufacturer of smoke house equipment.
November 1994
The Trucking Authority ICC was obtained, allowing the company to transport regulated freight across state lines.
In 1994, the company formalized the development of a small vessel line, manufactured in Fox Lake, Wisconsin.
June 1999
Launched Contract Manufacturing Group and purchased a large-bed laser, as well as a turret punch, press brake and robotic welders. Apache also installed an electropolishing system to control quality, timeliness and cost effectiveness of metal finishing processes.
May 2000
Apache completed a plant expansion at 200 W. Industrial Drive, bringing the total square footage to 91,250 sq. ft.
February 2005
Apache underwent another plant expansion at Industrial Drive, and incorporated transportation, namely Apache Transport, LLC.
September 2006
Duane Foulkes sold the business to Dexter Apache Holdings, making the company an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), and all employees became employee-owners.
September 2015
Apache had a 40th anniversary celebration for employees, retirees and the community.
December 2016
All the manufacturing is under one roof at 200 W Industrial Drive location, with Plover, WI plant closed.
September 2024
Opened Validation Lab, a product testing facility for Mepaco and small vessel customers, located inside the 200 W Industrial location.
December 2024
Completed expansion of the 1200 building behind Apache at Green Valley Road, adding 40,000 sq. ft. for a total of 200,000 sq. ft. for Apache Stainless.
In 2025, our 50th year, we are already working on more milestones including commissioning robotic equipment and putting final construction details into an expanded passivation and electropolishing center.
Apache will be sharing stories and videos throughout the year, culminating in September 2025 with 200 employee-owners and families enjoying tours, presentations and food.
