Denver-based Hercules Industries says making its heating, ventilation and air conditioning products in the USA with mostly domestic steel gives it an edge during tariffs, though it is still paying more, The Denver Post reported on May 7, 2025.
The company
- Hercules has made HVAC products in the USA since 1962. About 95% of the steel it uses is USA-made.
- It recently opened a 100,175-square-foot plant in northeast Denver for commercial HVAC products for hotels, hospitals and other buildings.
- It has about 280 employees in Colorado and 685 in total, with sites in six Western states. It became employee-owned in 2019.
- Vice President Patrick Newland said domestic mills have raised prices every month since the tariffs, but the company is holding off on raising its own prices.
- Aluminum is harder to buy in the USA, a manager said, because most of it comes from Canada.
“We’re getting more leads because of the tariff increases and uncertainty.”
Nicole Thompson, Hercules Industries marketing director
Why it matters for Made in USA
Hercules shows both sides of tariffs for a USA maker: more customers looking for domestic suppliers, and higher prices from those same suppliers. The company projects 15% more steel use in each of the next two years.
FAQ
What does Hercules make?
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning products such as ducts, pipes and fittings.
How much of its steel is USA-made?
About 95%, the company said.
Are tariffs helping?
It said it is getting more leads, but domestic steel prices have risen every month.
Source & credit
Source: The Denver Post, May 7, 2025: “‘Made in USA’ gives edge to Denver manufacturer, but doesn’t spare it effects of tariffs”, by Judith Kohler.