This year marks 50 years since Horton first opened the doors of the Britton-based manufacturing plant in 1975. Headquartered in Roseville, MN, Horton founder Hugh Schilling first opened the company in 1951 with the goal of developing new products for the vehicle markets. Prototyping multiple versions of engine-cooling clutches, he settled on Horton’s bread-and-butter S-Type and HT/S fan clutches in 1972, specifically targeting the long-haul trucking industry. This decision necessitated a new manufacturing facility to be built.
Hugh Schilling visited various locations in North and South Dakota and chose Britton because of the people and the forward-looking community. They broke ground in Britton in 1974, opening their doors in 1975. By 1992, Horton-Britton produced its one millionth fan clutch. Fast-forward 33 years later and that number has surpassed ten million. With the addition of two more plants (Oconee, South Carolina and Schweinfurt, Germany), Horton has grown to become a global leader in the manufacturing of engine cooling systems serving more than 80 countries worldwide.
However, fan clutches are not the only legacy Mr. Schilling desired to leave behind. One of Horton’s company values is investment in people, education, and communities. And since Mr. Schilling’s passing in 2020, this value has been carried forward by his daughters, Terry Gilberstadt (Horton Board Vice Chair and Family Owner) and Lynn Brown (Horton Board and Family Owner).
As Britton’s largest employer, Horton has invested in the community in a variety of ways. This includes attracting new employees who relocate to Britton, volunteering at the local food pantry, as well as financially investing in several city commercial projects over the years. This list includes the Britton Public Library’s new location, the North Marshall Fire Hall, the new wing of Marshall County Healthcare Center, and the Britton Event Center, whose track and field were named in honor of Horton’s founder: Schilling Field.
“We are so proud to celebrate this milestone in Britton,” said Gilberstadt. “For 50 years, the Britton plant and community have been instrumental in Horton’s growth to the world class manufacturer it is today,”
This milestone was marked by a special visit to the Britton-based plant by Gilberstadt. Her visit was to share exciting news on behalf of the Horton Board and Ownership: a surprise monetary gift for all Britton employees in honor of the 50th anniversary of the plant. In a statement shared from Brown, they noted, “Many thanks to all at the Britton Plant. Our family sincerely appreciates all your contributions to Horton. It is an honor for us to celebrate 50 years of success in Britton!”
Horton-Britton employees also carry forward the mantle of generosity and community investment. One way is by partnering with United Way of Northeastern South Dakota, a fundraising entity focused on funding non-profits throughout the state’s northeast region. This October, Horton-Britton’s employee-led United Way Committee hosted their annual United Way Rush Month, complete with a fun lip-sync battle, heart-felt stories, financial pledges for 2026, and presentation of funds to various non-profits throughout our area (2025 recipients included Claremont Fire Department, Home Base Backpack Program, Marshall County Ministerial Association, Marshall County Food Pantry, and Britton Helping Hands and Hospice).
Jim Boyko, Horton-Britton’s Director of Manufacturing stated, “From the beginning with Hugh Schilling, Horton was never simply about having a plant in northeast South Dakota. It was always his intention it (Horton) be about the betterment of the community and area. That vision has never changed and will continue to be an enduring Horton purpose.”
Fifty years of commitment to the Britton area, and many more to go.
