Dan Ariens, great-grandson of AriensCo founder Henry Ariens, and current Chairman & CEO, has recently been recognized as one of Wisconsin’s most influential business leaders. The list of 275 is put out by Wisconsin’s BizTimes Media and highlights happenings across Wisconsin’s business landscape.

AriensCo has made several acquisitions under Dan Ariens’ leadership, including of Germany-based AS-Motor in 2021 and Thomas Equipment in 2022. In recent years, the company has spearheaded the $50 million redevelopment of the 140-acre former Brillion Iron Works foundry site with plans to turn it into a mixed-use development with a hotel, shops, a clinic, apartments and a park. Ariens has said a goal of the project is to drive population growth in its hometown and make AriensCo more attractive as an employer.

The company, through its foundation, has donated millions toward STEM education and the public school system in Brillion.

A proponent of lean manufacturing principles, Ariens has been recognized with the Eli Whitney Productivity Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and mentors other organizations on lean leadership. He was inducted in 2012 to the Assn. for Manufacturing Excellence Hall of Fame.

Ariens is past chair of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and past vice chair of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. He sits on the executive committee of the Green Bay Packers’ board.