Harsh International: A Powerhouse of American Industry
Published on February 20, 2025
Where fresh air meets innovation, where community roots run deep, and where pride in who we are and what we do shines through. Introducing our Seeds to Success campaign — a celebration of the people, values, and progress that make Northern Colorado truly special.
This week’s featured Innovator: Harsh International
Bob Brown doesn’t hesitate when asked about his proudest accomplishment at Harsh International, a 75-year-old company in Weld County. "My employees are my pride, and their dedication is the heart of Harsh International’s success,” says Bob.
Harsh manufactures a diverse and innovative range of products that serve industries in agriculture, construction, and transportation. They produce numerous products including the Harsh Hoist, feed mixers, the impressive Ditch Dragon (Harsh's take on what a flame cultivator should be), and other agricultural and feed equipment, as well as antennas that support high-precision, real-time environmental data collection technology. Their products are not only recognized throughout rural Colorado but are shipped worldwide, serving farmers, scientists, and industry leaders. Their signature “Harsh blue” hydraulics have become an industry standard, with only products bound for the UK receiving a metallic gray paint substitute.
Their equipment is designed to withstand even the “Harsh”est conditions.
Harsh International has thrived through generations of dedicated leadership and remains true to its core values of attitude, performance, and integrity (API), established by Bob’s father. These values are at the heart of the company’s mission, guiding its success and culture. Now led by Bob and Jim, alongside their sister Mickie, the company is built on tradition, not just within the Brown family but also among employees, many of whom have brought in their own family members. Leadership and wisdom have been passed down through generations, ensuring continued vision, work ethic, and commitment to quality. Each new generation has built upon the foundation laid by their predecessors, blending tradition with innovation to remain a leader in the industry. Bob Brown believes a strong, loyal workforce is the backbone of the company, with many of its 99 employees spending their entire careers there, averaging 15 to 18 years and some even returning after retirement.
Located in Weld County, Harsh International benefits from the region’s culture of hard work, loyalty, and integrity, fostering a positive, family-oriented work environment. As one of the largest private employers in the area, Harsh’s open-door policy encourages collaboration where both the newest employees with fresh ideas and the seasoned employees – some with over 40 years of experience – can work together to capitalize on concepts to better the company. Brown takes great pride in the commitment of his team, referring to them as the best in Weld County.
Harsh has played a vital role in the Weld County community through contributions to local projects, organizations, and initiatives. The company and its employees actively engage with local schools, offering tours for students ranging from pre-K to high school, and they partner with Aims Community College and Colorado State University’s Industrial Engineering Program. They also donate scrap metal and other byproducts to the community to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the community beyond manufacturing, and the local police department can be found using the produced metals discs for firearms training.
As Harsh looks to the future, they remain dedicated to growth, innovation, and community involvement. Their legacy of excellence, strong family values, and commitment to their employees and customers will continue to drive their success for generations to come. By putting small-town Eaton, Colorado, on the world stage, Harsh proudly showcases the work ethic, dedication, and innovation that make Weld County a powerhouse of American industry.