For owner and president, Wilmer Elbers, February 21, 1987 was a day of reminiscence. It was a day to look back at his many successful years.

February 21 was also a day to look to the future,. "It was time for the company to keep up with a changing market and changing demands," Elbers says. Elbers needed more space and exposure, so he decided to expand to neighboring Luverne, which is located on Interstate Highway 90.

"Every year the demand for larger tanks becomes greater." he says. "We had to prepare for the future, and this building in Luverne gives us the space for that growth."

Elbers has lived in Rock County, Minnesota, for the last 60 years. From 1957 to 1960 he hauled milk from farms to the Hills Co-op Creamery where they made butter. Many remember that hauling milk in those days was quite different than now.

"Those old milk cans are collectors items now," he says. Elbers has been a self-employed businessman ever since.

In 1977, after working in construction and retail appliance sales, he purchased a half interest in Hills Stainless Steel.

A little later his brother purchased the other half. The company then diversified into an original equipment manufacturer of fire tankers, water-fertilizer tanks, converted dollies, and pup trailers. The company also started dealing in used trucks and equipment. In 1982, they purchased the trade name "Certified" from Penske Tank Co. in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Hills Stainless Steel & Equipment now manufacturers and sells parts for the Certified tank line in 33 states. In 1986, Elbers purchased his brother's half of Hills Stainless Steel & Equipment and its continuing his success with his expansion to Luverne in 1987.

February 21, the Luverne ambassadors officially welcomed the Luverne plant with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The cities of Hills and Luverne, "working together," was the theme of the ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony were Steve Perkins, Luverne city administrator; Mike Grossman, economic specialist with Minnesota department of energy and economic development; Bob Latham, councilman from Luverne; Bud Bush, mayor of Hills; and Andy Steensma, Minnesota state representative.

The two plants in Hills and Luverne now employ about 35 people.

In 1997 HSS opened its new sandblasting/washing and painting facilities. These new state of the art facilities comply with EPA and OSHA regulations. These new facilities renew our commitment to quality products.

Elbers is very excited about what the future holds for Hills Stainless Steel & Equipment. "our new facilities will enable us to continue giving our customers top quality service and products. They can count on that," says Elbers.