At a time when many other local companies are treading water.. one local manufacturer is capitalizing on the commodity to help continue to boost its bottom line. 23 news Economic Reporter Kristin Burke spells out the secret to the companies success despite the economic downturn.

As real-estate prices collapsed and economic activity went *down the drain last year, the waste water industry smelled trouble.

"The good news is there is demand for water everywhere we look."

But the foul odor wasn't strong enough to spoil business at Aqua Aerobic systems in Loves Park.

"Our business has continued to grow over the last 6 years both revenue and profit wise."

The company designs and manufactures water and waste-water treatment equipment and systems for both municipal and industrial markets worldwide.

"We can bring alot of benefits to developing countries.. no matter what you look at china is still a developing country. But the fact is china has alot of requirements for things from us."

Wimmer taps the company's success over the years to focusing on what it knows... despite calls to step outside its comfort zone.

"We are focused on exactly what we are were involved in biological treatment and filtration and when we step out of that we have some problems. If you in fact have too many irons in the fire quite frankly you can't do any of them right."

While business is flowing right now, trouble could be on tap as local communities face more budget cuts and lower tax revenues.

" the one thing that could hurt us is we deal predominantly with municipalities budget constraints and loss of tax revenue."

But Wimmer is going to do everything he can to make sure that doesn't happen.

In Loves Park Kristin Burke 23 News Right Now