There’s just something special about visiting Chicago. The skyline, the energy, the deep-dish pizza, all iconic in their own right; but for me, it’s the people and industry connections that make every trip unforgettable. Chicago has long been a hub of innovation and manufacturing excellence, and each visit reminds me how much I love being part of an industry that keeps our world moving.
On this trip, I had the incredible opportunity to tour Hydro’s Chicago service center, and I was immediately struck by the energy and expertise in the room. From the moment I stepped inside, I could see the dedication of the team; people working with precision, collaborating seamlessly, and bringing both skill and passion to every pump, part, and process.
I was welcomed by Chris Miller, who gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the operations. Right away, I could feel the camaraderie and purpose that fuel this team. “The people make it easy,” Chris said when I asked what keeps him motivated. “We’re growing and learning from the older generation and bringing in new people keeps things exciting.”
That spirit of growth through teamwork was evident in every corner of the shop. From the machining and welding areas to the quality control department, there was a shared commitment to precision and pride. Chris walked me through rows of equipment. Some brand-new, others seasoned workhorses that have been part of Hydro’s success story for years. “You don’t get rid of a machine that works,” he said with a smile.
I loved seeing how seamlessly tradition and technology come together here. In one moment, I was admiring the craftsmanship of manual machining; the next, I was learning about digital scanning and reverse engineering. I even got to try out a 3D scanner myself on an impeller as it was capturing every microscopic detail, accurate within a thousandth of an inch! Watching data transform into digital models and simulations reminded me how innovation continues to elevate every aspect of this industry.
The engineering team was equally inspiring. From computational fluid dynamics and performance testing to structural analysis for nuclear applications, each person brought expertise and passion to their work. And then there was Javier Contreras, a Senior Project Planner with over 30 years at Hydro. He proudly showed me one of his original hand-drawn blueprints. It was a reminder of how far technology has come and how craftsmanship remains at the heart of it all.
Beyond the incredible people and technology, what truly impressed me was HydroAire’s commitment to quality and safety. Since 1969, Hydro, Inc. has provided a full range of pump rebuilding and engineering services to the power generation industry. The Chicago facility, recently recognized with its ASME N certification, also holds the NPT and NR certificates, making it a trusted service provider for safety-related and ASME Code pumps.
HydroAire’s Quality Assurance Program is meticulous, complying with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, and ASME Section III. It has been audited by the Nuclear Procurement Issues Committee (NUPIC) and recognized by several NUPIC members as an approved vendor. This rigorous approach ensures that every pump, whether newly rebuilt or reverse-engineered, meets the highest standards of performance, safety, and reliability.
Adam Jung from HydroAire summed it up perfectly: “We’ve built our reputation on quality. The fact that we have grown into the largest independent pump rebuilder is a testament to our engineering and design capability. For pump users who have been disappointed by OEM and third-party suppliers, Hydro’s Nuclear Service Center offers an alternative for reliable pump aftermarket service.”
It’s one thing to see innovation in action, but it’s another to witness a facility that blends decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology while prioritizing safety and quality at every step. Whether in the machine shop, the reverse engineering lab, or the engineering offices, the level of detail, collaboration, and dedication was inspiring.
Walking through those doors, I was reminded once again that people are the true power behind progress. Every pump, every drawing, every weld represents a team working together to solve problems, serve customers, and keep industries running safely and efficiently. Chicago will always have my heart but it’s visits like this that filled with passion, innovation, and connection, that make me fall in love with this industry all over again.
Watch the tour on YouTube.
