The American Hydro Difference
For 40 years, American Hydro has built a reputation for excellence in hydro-turbine and pump design, manufacturing, and service. From the start, our vision has been to create a company defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to total service.
That promise of total service remains the foundation of everything we do. From sales through commissioning, our team combines technical expertise with real-world experience to ensure every project exceeds expectations.
At American Hydro, we take pride in our work and passion for hydropower. Our dedication to quality and collaboration fosters lasting partnerships built on trust and shared success.

Our Mission
We deliver reliable, sustainable hydropower solutions through best-in-class products and unmatched operational efficiency.
Our focus is on expanding service offerings, advancing into emerging energy segments, and innovating business models—all while maintaining industry-leading cost efficiency.
With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, we partner closely with clients to power a resilient, renewable future through excellence and innovation.

Our Vision
Turbines are the heart of every power plant—and we’re committed to keeping them running efficiently, reliably, and safely for decades.
We meet unique project challenges with advanced analytics, engineering, and project management expertise. From new builds to complex rehabilitations, we deliver smart solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and revenue.
With hundreds of turbines built and refurbished worldwide, American Hydro continues to grow—welcoming new customers while honoring long-standing partnerships. We don’t just build turbines; we build relationships.

Our Legacy
Founded in 1986 by four engineers, American Hydro filled a critical gap in the hydropower industry by specializing in turbine upgrades and rehabilitation. Introducing “The Service Company” concept and pioneering computer-based turbine design, we quickly earned a reputation for solving complex challenges and improving efficiency and durability.
Today, that same spirit of innovation drives us forward. For four decades, American Hydro has led in hydro-turbine design, manufacturing, and modernization—advancing technology, enhancing performance, and strengthening the reliability of power producers worldwide.
Markets We Serve
For four decades, American Hydro has delivered custom hydropower solutions across North America, Europe, Latin America, and select global markets. Whether partnering with independent power producers, public utilities, or government organizations, our goal remains the same: to help you achieve greater power output, efficiency, and longevity from your units.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including modernization and new equipment, engineering and analysis, turbine rehabilitation, field service and testing, machining, and commissioning.
Your Project’s Partner for Life
American Hydro takes full responsibility for every stage of your project—from concept and design to manufacturing, installation, and lifelong support. Our commitment doesn’t end at commissioning; we continue to maintain and optimize your units throughout their operational life.
We provide advanced hydropower solutions and exceptional products designed to perform at peak levels for decades—making us your trusted partner for life.


Photo by Marc Sweitzer
Our People Make the Difference
At the heart of American Hydro is a dedicated team of professionals—sales, engineering, project management, manufacturing, and field service experts—working together to ensure every project’s success.
- Engineers apply creative problem-solving, cutting-edge software, and deep technical expertise to every design.
- Project Managers guide each job from concept through commissioning, coordinating closely with our York, Pennsylvania facility to keep projects on schedule and on budget.
- Manufacturing specialists machine and fabricate every component with precision, craftsmanship, and pride.
- Field Service representatives deliver expert on-site execution, equipment management, and responsive customer support to ensure operational excellence.
- Regional Sales teams provide local insight and direct collaboration to align with your goals.
We also invest in our people, training the next generation of hydropower field service professionals to uphold our standards of quality and reliability for the future.
Our Management Team

Chetan Chauhan
President

Jason Heilman
Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Joe Druck
Vice President, Engineering & Quality

Joe Messersmith
Vice President, Field Service & Manufacturing Operations Leader

Jim Eveler
Vice President, Finance

Marcelo Parra
Vice President, Project Management
Company Timeline

1986
American Hydro Founded
Incorporation of American Hydro Corporation takes place on September 19, 1986.

1987
First Francis Runner Order
Awarded the first order for a Francis runner for Idaho Power’s Shoshone Plant.

1990
First Seagull Turbine Shipped
The first Seagull turbine was shipped to James River’s Cross Power Station. The Seagull is a patented turbine designed by American Hydro engineers.

1990
Grand Coulee Pump Impeller
Received the award for a pump impeller for Grand Coulee for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

1991
Stonewood Road Facility Opens
Moved into their newly built manufacturing facility on Stonewood Road, York, PA. This facility included the 2nd largest horizontal boring mill in the country, as well as a super-sized vertical boring mill, enabling American Hydro to manufacture the largest hydro turbines.

1992
First International Order Shipped
Received the first international order to supply runners to Canada.

1992
Tracy Pumping Station Impeller Shipped
Shipped the first of five pump impellers to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Tracy Pumping Station.

1993
Yards Creek 212″ Pump-Turbine Shipped
Shipped the first of three 212″ pump-turbines to the Yards Creek Pumped Storage Station.

1994
International Presence Grows
Received international orders to supply runners in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Iceland.

1995
Grand Coulee Dam 167″ Pump Impeller Shipped
Shipped the second 167″ pump impeller to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Grand Coulee Dam.

1996
ISO 9001 Certification
Achieved ISO 9001 Certification.

1996
Taum Sauk Contract Awarded
Awarded contract for model test and two pump-turbine runners for Taum Sauk.

1996
Smith Mountain Contract Awarded
Awarded contract for two massive Francis runners for Smith Mountain.

1999
Fairfield Contract Awarded
Awarded contract to provide 8 pump-turbines to South Carolina Electric & Gas’ Fairfield Pumped Storage.

2000
First Keokuk Order
Awarded an order for the first runner for the Keokuk plant. This culminated in a 20+ year relationship with Ameren in which American Hydro supplied new runners, turbine rehabilitation and installation for all 15 units at the Keokuk plant.

2004
Northfield Pump-Turbine Contract Awarded
Awarded contract to provide a pump-turbine for the Northfield Pumped Storage Station. In subsequent years, three more pump-turbines were provided for this plant.

2007-2008
Chilean Runner Contracts Awarded
Awarded contracts to supply runners at three different plants in Chile, South America.

2007
Rocky Mountain Pump-Turbine Contract Awarded
Awarded contract to provide three pump-turbines for the Rocky Mountain Pumped Storage Plant.

2010
American Hydro Purchased by The Weir Group
Scotland-based The Weir Group purchased American Hydro.

2012
ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001 Accreditations Achieved
Achieved ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001 accreditations.

2015
First Water-Filled Kaplan Runner Order
Awarded first order for a water-filled Kaplan runner.

2016
American Hydro Purchased by Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä, a Finnish company which manufactures and services power sources and other equipment in the marine and energy markets, purchased American Hydro.

2020
New Manufacturing Equipment Added
Installed a new 5-axis horizontal and vertical machining center and a 4-axis horizontal boring mill.

2023
American Hydro Purchased by Industrious Group
American Hydro purchased by Industrious Group of Cleveland, Ohio.

