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We want you to feel like a part of our family and get to know the whole Fratco community! That’s why we created Tried & True–a publication that talks about all things Fratco. We celebrate our employees, recognize our loyal customers and educate about the underground world of drainage.

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Featured

Our Stories

Since joining Fratco in January 2023, Jason Lingenfelter has embraced his role as Project Manager with a unique blend of humility, ingenuity and vision. Having spent 25 years in law enforcement and retiring as Chief of Police in Monticello, Indiana, …

At Fratco, our legacy of innovation and quality spans over a century, and we're far from finished. We’ve put together a short video series to showcase how we’re “Investing in Tomorrow." This series invites you to witness our journey as …

In the quaint, Midwestern town of Atlanta, Illinois, where the fields stretch wide and the days start early, a legacy was born over a century ago. It was here, among the hardworking families of German immigrants, that Clarence Leesman took …

Out in the rolling fields of McPherson, Kansas, Battenfeld-Cincinnati has humbly been shaping the future of manufacturing since 1977, steadily building a reputation as a powerhouse in extrusion technology. Originally founded as American Maplan Corporation, the company has become a …

At Fratco, our legacy of innovation and quality spans over a century, and we're far from finished. We’ve put together a short video series to showcase how we’re “Investing in Tomorrow." This series invites you to witness our journey as …

When the temperature drops and the wind starts to bite, everyone knows that layering up is the way to go. But have you ever wondered why piling on those layers actually keeps you warm? It’s not just about throwing on …

When you’ve been in the game for a while, it’s easy to think you’ve seen it all. You’ve got the experience, you know the ropes and there’s a certain pride that comes with that. But here’s the thing: no matter …

We’ve all been there–elbow-deep in a project, facing a roadblock that seems impossible to overcome. You’ve tried every tool in your box, every trick in the book and still, the solution seems just out of reach. It’s in moments like …

When it comes to innovative farming techniques, few methods have sparked as much conversation as subirrigation. It’s been a game-changer, especially for farmers grappling with the challenges of poorly drained soils. We had the opportunity to sit down with Charlie …

When Robert Boyd first walked into Fratco’s Francesville Plant, he was stepping into a world that was entirely new to him. Having spent years in the seed corn sector, Robert was no stranger to hard work, but the challenges of …

Staying mentally strong isn’t just for desk jockeys or puzzle lovers. When you’re out in the field, keeping your mind tough is just as important as staying physically fit. Here’s how you can keep your head in the game:

Staying mentally strong isn’t just for desk jockeys or puzzle lovers. When you’re out in the field, keeping your mind tough is just as important as staying physically fit. Here’s how you can keep your head in the game:

At Fratco, our legacy of innovation and quality spans over a century, and we're far from finished. We’ve put together a short video series to showcase how we’re “Investing in Tomorrow." This series invites you to witness our journey as …

Jobie Watson, owner of Twin Oaks Environmental, is no stranger to business adversity; competing in the crowded market of environmental solutions, the odds were stacked against him. Dominated by industry giants, the company faced an uphill battle just to secure …

In 1976, a small family business in Adair, Iowa quietly began its journey. Few could have predicted that this modest venture, founded by Charlie Schafer and his brothers, would grow into a powerhouse in the drainage industry. Yet today, Agri …

In the pursuit of goals, we often wait for the perfect moment, the ideal resources or the absolute certainty of success. However, Ashe’s advice offers a different perspective: the art of starting with what you currently have and where you …

The roots of KTS Custom Fabrication can be traced back to the earnest efforts of Dave and Jean Leichtman, whose upbringing in family farming instilled in them the values of hard work and community trust. Dave and Jean grew up …

In our industry, we work with plastic every day, and recycling Fratco pipe is a simplified process since the pipe is only made from two types of plastics. Can we just recycle all the plastic we use at home the …

Success is often portrayed as a distant, almost unattainable goal, achieved only by a few. However, Hilton’s words remind us that the essence of success is not in a flawless journey, but in perpetual motion in the relentless pursuit of …

Whether it’s from customers, coworkers or the boss, feedback is like a roadmap to doing things better. Here’s how to take that feedback and use it to up your game.

In the earth beneath our feet lies an intricate blend of minerals, organic matter, air and water–what we like to call, soil. This dynamic mixture serves as an often overlooked building block of civilization, from agriculture to construction. But what …

In the ever-evolving story of construction technology, trenchers–including what has become industrial drainage plows–stand out for revolutionizing the way we manage land and water. These formidable machines, which cut through the earth to create trenches, have played an important role …

Jeff Webb’s journey at Fratco is a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive work environment. Joining the company eight years ago, Jeff serves as the Controller and CFO, overseeing financial operations across all Fratco …

In 2013, Jon Pfeifer laid the foundation for PNA Drainage in Richland, Iowa out of a passion for drainage and a wealth of experience in the field. Over the past decade, with a dedicated crew of three, they’ve laid an …

In the heart of our thriving Fratco community lies a commitment to excellence, one of many traits vividly shared with our valued partner, Carriff Engineered Fabrics. Carriff’s sales and marketing director, Shayne Stonehouse, met with us to help tell Carriff’s …

As drainage experts, we're not just laying pipe; we're key players in guiding water through these natural pathways. Whether it's a small creek in a rural area or a large urban canal, our work is part of a larger cycle …

In today’s world, going green isn’t just for the tree-huggers. It’s smart, it’s necessary and it’s something we can all get behind. Whether you’re on a construction site, in a workshop or running a warehouse, there are straightforward ways to …

At the heart of Fratco’s advanced corrugated drainage pipe lies the intricate chemistry and sophisticated makeup of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and high-density polypropylene (HDPP). These materials are not just plastics; they are marvels of modern chemical engineering, tailored to meet …

In the heart of Mazon, IL, there's a company that embodies the spirit of hard work and versatility—Precision Farm Drainage, Inc. At the helm of this dynamic outfit are Dan Wilkinson and his right-hand man, Tyler Cockerham. Both work together …

Outrageous success, as grand as it sounds, isn’t a far-fetched dream. It’s the cumulative result of small, consistent steps forward. It’s in learning from each project, celebrating the wins and learning from the setbacks. In an industry that’s the backbone …