Ritchie Industries
Ritchie Industries, founded in 1921 and based in Conrad, Iowa, manufactures automatic livestock waterers across ten product lines for beef cattle, dairy, equine, sheep, and goat producers, selling exclusively through an authorized dealer network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1921
- HeadquartersConrad, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Ritchie Industries does
Ritchie Industries, Inc. is a Conrad, Iowa-based manufacturer of automatic livestock waterers founded in 1921 by Thomas Ritchie, who patented the first automatic waterer device that same year in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The company designs and produces insulated polyethylene and stainless steel waterers with thermostatically controlled heating, quick-refill valves, a patented water-seal design that eliminates gasket failure, and a ThermalEqualizer drinking well that enables energy-free operation in moderate climates. Its catalog comprises ten product lines (CattleMaster, Classic Equine, EcoFount, Genesis, OmniFount, OmniMaster, StallFount, Thrifty King, WaterMaster, WaterMatic) and over 40 individual models serving beef cattle, dairy, equine, sheep, and goat operations, with the largest units (WaterMaster 1400, CattleMaster 10T) capable of hydrating 400–500+ head.
Ritchie sells exclusively through a network of authorized dealers and distributors rather than direct-to-end-user, supported by a dedicated dealer portal (ritchiedealer.com), a public dealer locator, and active dealer recruitment. Pricing is per-unit hardware sales, ranging from roughly $300 for an entry-level non-insulated Genesis 1 to $1,335+ for premium heated models like the UltraFount, with larger high-capacity units (WaterMaster 1400, CattleMaster 10T) commanding materially higher prices. The company supplements product revenue with replacement parts and accessories — valves, floats, heating elements, thermostats, drain plugs — creating a recurring aftermarket stream tied to its multi-decade installed base. Customer segments are weighted toward beef cattle ranchers and dairy operations as primary, with equine and small-ruminant producers as secondary verticals.
In January 2025, Granite Creek Capital Partners acquired Ritchie Industries with support from Rural American Fund and the existing management team, citing plans to expand product offerings and market share. Post-acquisition, Chad Huyser was appointed CEO and John Paul Owen joined as CCO, and the company has launched the WaterMaster 1400 (August 2025) and OmniMaster 4 (February 2026) as flagship capacity and mid-market extensions. The business remains private, US-headquartered, and concentrated in a single manufacturing site in Conrad, Iowa.
Ritchie Industries firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ritchie Industries
- Legal name
- Ritchie Industries, Inc.
- Website
- https://ritchiefount.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1921
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Ritchie Industries, founded in 1921 and based in Conrad, Iowa, manufactures automatic livestock waterers across ten product lines for beef cattle, dairy, equine, sheep, and goat producers, selling exclusively through an authorized dealer network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Ritchie Industries is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Conrad
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Ritchie Industries business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Livestock Waterer Sales: Ritchie Industries generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of automatic livestock waterers. Products are sold as one-time purchases through a network of authorized dealers and distributors. The company offers a comprehensive product lineup across multiple series (CattleMaster, OmniMaster, WaterMaster, WaterMatic, OmniFount, EcoFount, Thrifty King, Genesis, StallFount, Classic Equine) targeting various livestock species and herd sizes. Parts and accessories are also sold for maintenance and repairs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | OmniFount 2 - Small heated double-sided waterer |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | EcoFount 1 - Energy-efficient heated single-drink waterer |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | StallFount - Non-heated corner-mounted horse waterer |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Classic Equine UltraFount - Insulated stainless steel horse waterer |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Genesis 1 - Portable/permanent basic waterer |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | WaterMatic 150S - Sheep and goat specific waterer |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Ritchie Industries product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ritchie Industries designs, manufactures, and sells automatic livestock waterers for beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. Products include heated and non-heated units with thermostatically controlled heating elements, quick-refill valves, and insulated polyethylene or stainless steel construction. The company distributes exclusively through a network of authorized dealers and distributors globally.
Product overview
Ritchie Industries is a manufacturer of automatic livestock waterers founded in 1921, based in Conrad, Iowa. The product portfolio consists of 10 distinct product lines (CattleMaster, Classic Equine by Ritchie, EcoFount, Genesis, OmniFount, OmniMaster, StallFount, Thrifty King, WaterMaster, and WaterMatic) with over 40 individual models serving beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. Products range from basic non-insulated waterers (Genesis series) to heavy-duty heated units (CattleMaster, OmniMaster, WaterMaster 1400) capable of serving herds of 400-500+ cattle. Key differentiators include insulated polyethylene construction, stainless steel troughs, quick-refill valves, thermostatically controlled heating, and 10-year warranties on poly units. The company also offers a comprehensive parts and accessories program, installation guides, product specification sheets, and a product recommendation tool to help customers select the appropriate waterer for their operation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CattleMaster: Frost-free livestock waterers combining stainless steel strength with heavy-duty poly construction for all-season cattle hydration.
- Classic Equine by Ritchie
- EcoFount
- Genesis
- OmniFount
- OmniMaster
- StallFount
- Thrifty King
- WaterMaster
- WaterMatic
Products and services
- WaterMaster
Quantifiable outcome
- 75% less energy consumption compared to concrete waterers in winter
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Ritchie Industries
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Ritchie Industries technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Ritchie Industries partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Kentucky Horse ParkminorRitchie Industries serves as the official Waterer Sponsor of the Kentucky Horse Park, one of the world's most respected equine destinations. The sponsorship positions Ritchie at a facility known for champion horses and premier events.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ritchie Industries competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Miraco: Miraco is an Iowa-based manufacturer of automatic livestock waterers (Lil' Spring, MiraFount, EnergyFree lines), serving beef, dairy, equine, and small ruminant producers through a dealer network — directly comparable to Ritchie's product lines and go-to-market.
- Cobett (WaterMate): Cobett manufactures insulated automatic livestock waterers (WaterMate series) for cattle, equine, and small ruminants, sold through farm supply dealers. Closely overlap with Ritchie's heated and energy-efficient offerings.
- J&D Manufacturing: J&D Manufacturing produces ventilation, cooling, heating, and watering equipment for livestock and poultry operations from a Wisconsin base. Their livestock waterer lines overlap directly with Ritchie's beef and dairy catalogs.
- Double L Group: Double L Group manufactures livestock watering, ventilation, and feeding equipment for swine, dairy, and beef producers. Comparable channel (dealer/distributor) and end-customer base to Ritchie, with overlapping products in heated/insulated waterers.
- Hammer's Welding & Metal Works: Hammer's Welding produces galvanized and poly livestock waterers (e.g., the 1200 Series) targeting cow/calf operations across the U.S. Plains. Direct niche competitor in the same automatic waterer category as Ritchie.
Broad incumbents
- Priefert Mfg. Priefert is a larger, established manufacturer of livestock handling, feeding, and watering equipment (including waterers) for the broader ranching industry. Operates as an incumbent with a wider product portfolio than Ritchie's waterer-focused catalog.
- Behlen Mfg. Co. Behlen is a long-established Nebraska-based manufacturer of livestock equipment (waterers, tanks, gates, panels). Broader portfolio across full ranch systems positions it as a broad incumbent adjacent to Ritchie's waterer specialization.
- Val-Co (CTB): Val-Co, part of CTB (Berkshire Hathaway), is a global manufacturer of livestock watering, feeding, and housing equipment serving poultry, swine, and dairy. Overlaps with Ritchie in livestock watering but serves a broader species footprint at much larger scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ritchie Industries social profiles
Digital presenceRitchie Industries financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ritchie Industries leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Ritchie Industries funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ritchie Industries M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ritchie Industries
What does Ritchie Industries do?
Ritchie Industries designs, manufactures, and sells automatic livestock waterers for beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. Products include heated and non-heated units with thermostatically controlled heating elements, quick-refill valves, and insulated polyethylene or stainless steel construction. The company distributes exclusively through a network of authorized dealers and distributors globally.
Is Ritchie Industries a public or private company?
Ritchie Industries is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Ritchie Industries founded?
Ritchie Industries was founded in 1921. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Ritchie Industries based?
Ritchie Industries is headquartered in Conrad, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ritchie Industries make money?
One revenue line is on record: livestock Waterer Sales.
Who are Ritchie Industries's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Miraco, Cobett (WaterMate), J&D Manufacturing, Double L Group and Hammer's Welding & Metal Works. Broad incumbents are Priefert Mfg., Behlen Mfg. Co. and Val-Co (CTB).
Does Ritchie Industries have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ritchie Industries.