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Hengst closes Delbag acquisition
NEWS
GEA sells Château-Thierry site
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EA has completed the sale of its French standard separators production facility – GEA Westfalia Separator Production France SAS – and the respective real estate in Château-Thierry (Hauts-de-France region) to the French industrial group Altifort as planned (see Filtration Industry Analyst, July 2018). GEA says that this is an important step towards streamlining its global production footprint. The transaction will preserve all related jobs. A transitional period of up to two years has been agreed by GEA and Altifort ensuring the purchase of relevant manufacturing services from the site.
For further information, visit www.gea.com
Donaldson seals BOFA purchase
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onaldson Co Inc has completed its acquisition of an 88% stake in UK fume extraction system specialist BOFA International Ltd (see Filtration Industry Analyst, September 2018). BOFA sells fume extraction systems to OEM customers, distributors and end users, and has recurring sales of replacement filters. The company’s fume extraction systems are used in laser, electronics, printing, 3D printing and dental applications. Headquartered in Poole, BOFA employs around 250 people and is expecting sales of approximately US$40 million in its current fiscal year. Donaldson will report BOFA revenue within its Industrial Filtration Solutions business in the Industrial Products segment. For further information, visit www.donaldson.com and www.bofainternational.com
November 2018
Hi-line moves into larger manufacturing facility
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he UK’s Hi-line Industries Ltd has relocated to a new, larger production plant in Burton-uponTrent, Staffordshire, to meet growing demand for its range of compressed air purification equipment. The new facility, which is three times the size of Hi-line’s previous headquarters, will allow the company to expand existing production and facilitate a forthcoming extension to its product range. A large trade counter and customer pick-up centre at the new site will ensure that Hi-line continues its customer-centric focus. The investment in the new premises has been supported by a number of grants for energy efficiency and investing in people. The original Hi-line factory will be used for additional warehousing for refrigeration air dryers. Hi-line designs, manufactures, supplies and installs a range of energy-efficient compressed air equipment including air dryers, nitrogen/oxygen generators, compressed air filtration equipment, condensate management/drains and service kits.
For further information, visit www.hilineindustries.com
FilterEasy completes new funding round
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he US air filter subscription service FilterEasy has secured US$6.9 million in new funding, led by consumer brand specialists One Better Ventures. FilterEasy will use the funding to invest in product innovation and development, expand warehouse and fulfillment
capabilities, and continue to accelerate growth. One Better Ventures was joined in the round by Lead Edge Capital. Raleigh, North Carolina-based FilterEasy, which has raised more than US$18 million in funding to date, provides a subscription HVAC air filter fulfillment service using a web-based platform. “One Better Ventures is known for building mission-driven brands that truly make a difference,” said Thad Tarkington, co-founder and CEO of FilterEasy. “We are excited to have them join us in helping drive sustainable and socially responsible category innovation and product development.” “We know consumers regularly forget to change their air filters and saw the problems associated with neglecting to change them,” added Kevin Barry, FilterEasy co-founder and COO. “With One Better Ventures’ support, we’re eager to continue solving problems that impact consumers, and we can’t wait to show you what we have in store for the rest of 2018 and beyond.” “Regularly replacing air filters has the potential to improve people’s lives and the environment. We’ve seen FilterEasy reduce common friction points in the consumer journey,” said John Replogle of One Better Ventures. “There’s a massive opportunity in home air filter subscription service, and FilterEasy is paving the way in this sector.” For further information, visit www.filtereasy.com
Hengst closes Delbag acquisition
H
engst has acquired the German air filtration company Delbag from the FläktGroup (see Filtration Industry Analyst, September 2018). Founded in 1909 as Deutsche LuftfilterBaugesellschaft, Delbag engineers, manufactures and markets air filters and air filtration systems for use in commercial, industrial and residential applications.
Filtration Industry Analyst
3
IN BRIEF/NEWS
In Brief • Italy’s Zenit Group has opened a production plant in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, 11 years after setting up Zenit Pumps Suzhou (ZPS). Zenit Pumps Chengdu Co Ltd (ZPC) will be a sales and production base, manufacturing glass reinforced plastic prefabricated pumping stations and stainless steel grease separators. www.zenit.com • Andritz has closed its acquisition of Xerium Technologies Inc (see Filtration Industry Analyst, June 2018). Headquartered in Youngsville, North Carolina, Xerium is a global manufacturer and supplier of machine clothing (forming fabrics, press felts, drying fabrics) and roll covers for paper, tissue, and board machines, including maintenance and aftermarket services. www.andritz .com and www.xerium.com • Hitachi Zosen Corp’s subsidiary Hitachi Zosen Vietnam Co Ltd has opened a branch in Hanoi. www.hitachizosen.co.jp • Xylem Inc is partnering with the Cityzens Giving annual charitable campaign, a Manchester City Football Club global community initiative which helps young leaders around the world change lives through the power of football. Xylem will support a Cityzens Giving project focused on improving access to safe, clean water for over 5000 children in Bangalore, India. The project combines Xylem’s expertise in building water towers and the unique power of football to provide education on water and sanitation. Now in its fifth year, the Cityzens Giving initiative gives fans the opportunity to vote for how £400 000, donated by City Football Group and its partners, should be shared across six urban football projects. Over the course of a six-week campaign, fans will be asked to vote for the one that resonates most with them. The more votes a project gets, the greater amount of funding it will receive. Fans can vote for their preferred cause at www.mancity.com/cityzensgiving. Earlier this year, Xylem entered into a global multi-year partnership with English Premier League Champions Manchester City to become the football club’s official water technology partner (see Filtration Industry Analyst, July 2018). www.xylem.com
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Filtration Industry Analyst
Delbag is headquartered in Herne (Westphalia) and employs nearly 150 people in Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria. In 2017, the company had sales of E30 million. Post-merger integration activities are already underway. “To us, adding the high-efficiency filtrations solutions made by Delbag is the logical next step in expanding our activities in the air filtration business,” said Christopher Heine, CEO of Hengst SE. “We are exhilarated that this acquisition lets us fortify the market position Hengst holds as the leading supplier of filtration solutions and welcome our new co-workers to the Hengst family with open arms.” For further information, visit www.hengst.com and www.flaktgroup.com/en/our-brands/delbag/
Xylem signs MoU with Ethiopian government to explore water solutions
X
ylem Inc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy (MoWIE) for future cooperation to help advance the country’s water security. The MoU was signed at an event in Ethiopia attended by the country’s Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy His Excellency Dr Eng Seleshi Bekele; State Minister Water Supply and Sanitation Dr Negash Wagesho; Xylem president and CEO Patrick Decker; and a representative of the US Embassy in Ethiopia. Dr Bekele said that the MoU creates an enabling platform to improve water supply and sanitation service delivery and ensure scheme sustainability. Decker spoke about the solutions Xylem would explore for the region, including non-revenue water, knowledge sharing, and creating more water and energy efficiencies to maximise resources and lessen the impact on the environment. “This exploratory partnership is a chance to strengthen our working relationship with the Ministry and build on positive conversations around water systems optimisation, energy, water and sewage
coverage, and to create a foundation that can help advance Ethiopia’s water sector in the future,” said Decker. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Ministry to identify potential ways to leverage our broad portfolio of leading-edge technologies to help build water security in Ethiopia – and address one of the greatest challenges of our time: solving water.” For further information, visit www.xylem.com
Lanxess partners with Standard Lithium
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pecialty chemicals company Lanxess and Canada’s Standard Lithium Ltd are planning to collaborate on the commercial production of battery grade lithium from the brine at El Dorado, Arkansas, USA. The two companies are currently considering setting up a joint venture. Lanxess operates three plants for the production of bromine products in El Dorado. The bromine is extracted from the brine produced at the site. The brine also contains lithium. “For us, innovation also means developing new uses for existing products. The cooperation with Standard Lithium is still at a very early stage, but could open up exciting prospects for us in a trend-setting industry,” said Matthias Zachert, chairman of the Lanxess AG board of management. A feasibility study is underway. For the planned cooperation, Lanxess will provide access to its existing infrastructure in El Dorado, while Standard Lithium will build and operate a pilot plant on the premises. Lanxess says that Standard Lithium has developed an innovative process for the extraction of high-purity lithium directly from brines. For further information, visit www.lanxess.com
National launch for Evoqua’s Water One platform
E
voqua Water Technologies has launched its optimised Water One service platform nationwide.
November 2018
GEA sells Château-Thierry site
G
EA has completed the sale of its French standard separators production facility – GEA Westfalia Separator Production France SAS – and the respective real estate in Château-Thierry (Hauts-de-France region) to the French industrial group Altifort as planned (see Filtration Industry Analyst, July 2018). GEA says that this is an important step towards streamlining its global production footprint. The transaction will preserve all related jobs. A transitional period of up to two years has been agreed by GEA and Altifort ensuring the purchase of relevant manufacturing services from the site.
For further information, visit www.gea.com
Donaldson seals BOFA purchase
D
onaldson Co Inc has completed its acquisition of an 88% stake in UK fume extraction system specialist BOFA International Ltd (see Filtration Industry Analyst, September 2018). BOFA sells fume extraction systems to OEM customers, distributors and end users, and has recurring sales of replacement filters. The company’s fume extraction systems are used in laser, electronics, printing, 3D printing and dental applications. Headquartered in Poole, BOFA employs around 250 people and is expecting sales of approximately US$40 million in its current fiscal year. Donaldson will report BOFA revenue within its Industrial Filtration Solutions business in the Industrial Products segment. For further information, visit www.donaldson.com and www.bofainternational.com
November 2018
Hi-line moves into larger manufacturing facility
T
he UK’s Hi-line Industries Ltd has relocated to a new, larger production plant in Burton-uponTrent, Staffordshire, to meet growing demand for its range of compressed air purification equipment. The new facility, which is three times the size of Hi-line’s previous headquarters, will allow the company to expand existing production and facilitate a forthcoming extension to its product range. A large trade counter and customer pick-up centre at the new site will ensure that Hi-line continues its customer-centric focus. The investment in the new premises has been supported by a number of grants for energy efficiency and investing in people. The original Hi-line factory will be used for additional warehousing for refrigeration air dryers. Hi-line designs, manufactures, supplies and installs a range of energy-efficient compressed air equipment including air dryers, nitrogen/oxygen generators, compressed air filtration equipment, condensate management/drains and service kits.
For further information, visit www.hilineindustries.com
FilterEasy completes new funding round
T
he US air filter subscription service FilterEasy has secured US$6.9 million in new funding, led by consumer brand specialists One Better Ventures. FilterEasy will use the funding to invest in product innovation and development, expand warehouse and fulfillment
capabilities, and continue to accelerate growth. One Better Ventures was joined in the round by Lead Edge Capital. Raleigh, North Carolina-based FilterEasy, which has raised more than US$18 million in funding to date, provides a subscription HVAC air filter fulfillment service using a web-based platform. “One Better Ventures is known for building mission-driven brands that truly make a difference,” said Thad Tarkington, co-founder and CEO of FilterEasy. “We are excited to have them join us in helping drive sustainable and socially responsible category innovation and product development.” “We know consumers regularly forget to change their air filters and saw the problems associated with neglecting to change them,” added Kevin Barry, FilterEasy co-founder and COO. “With One Better Ventures’ support, we’re eager to continue solving problems that impact consumers, and we can’t wait to show you what we have in store for the rest of 2018 and beyond.” “Regularly replacing air filters has the potential to improve people’s lives and the environment. We’ve seen FilterEasy reduce common friction points in the consumer journey,” said John Replogle of One Better Ventures. “There’s a massive opportunity in home air filter subscription service, and FilterEasy is paving the way in this sector.” For further information, visit www.filtereasy.com
Hengst closes Delbag acquisition
H
engst has acquired the German air filtration company Delbag from the FläktGroup (see Filtration Industry Analyst, September 2018). Founded in 1909 as Deutsche LuftfilterBaugesellschaft, Delbag engineers, manufactures and markets air filters and air filtration systems for use in commercial, industrial and residential applications.
Filtration Industry Analyst
3
IN BRIEF/NEWS
In Brief • Italy’s Zenit Group has opened a production plant in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, 11 years after setting up Zenit Pumps Suzhou (ZPS). Zenit Pumps Chengdu Co Ltd (ZPC) will be a sales and production base, manufacturing glass reinforced plastic prefabricated pumping stations and stainless steel grease separators. www.zenit.com • Andritz has closed its acquisition of Xerium Technologies Inc (see Filtration Industry Analyst, June 2018). Headquartered in Youngsville, North Carolina, Xerium is a global manufacturer and supplier of machine clothing (forming fabrics, press felts, drying fabrics) and roll covers for paper, tissue, and board machines, including maintenance and aftermarket services. www.andritz .com and www.xerium.com • Hitachi Zosen Corp’s subsidiary Hitachi Zosen Vietnam Co Ltd has opened a branch in Hanoi. www.hitachizosen.co.jp • Xylem Inc is partnering with the Cityzens Giving annual charitable campaign, a Manchester City Football Club global community initiative which helps young leaders around the world change lives through the power of football. Xylem will support a Cityzens Giving project focused on improving access to safe, clean water for over 5000 children in Bangalore, India. The project combines Xylem’s expertise in building water towers and the unique power of football to provide education on water and sanitation. Now in its fifth year, the Cityzens Giving initiative gives fans the opportunity to vote for how £400 000, donated by City Football Group and its partners, should be shared across six urban football projects. Over the course of a six-week campaign, fans will be asked to vote for the one that resonates most with them. The more votes a project gets, the greater amount of funding it will receive. Fans can vote for their preferred cause at www.mancity.com/cityzensgiving. Earlier this year, Xylem entered into a global multi-year partnership with English Premier League Champions Manchester City to become the football club’s official water technology partner (see Filtration Industry Analyst, July 2018). www.xylem.com
4
Filtration Industry Analyst
Delbag is headquartered in Herne (Westphalia) and employs nearly 150 people in Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria. In 2017, the company had sales of E30 million. Post-merger integration activities are already underway. “To us, adding the high-efficiency filtrations solutions made by Delbag is the logical next step in expanding our activities in the air filtration business,” said Christopher Heine, CEO of Hengst SE. “We are exhilarated that this acquisition lets us fortify the market position Hengst holds as the leading supplier of filtration solutions and welcome our new co-workers to the Hengst family with open arms.” For further information, visit www.hengst.com and www.flaktgroup.com/en/our-brands/delbag/
Xylem signs MoU with Ethiopian government to explore water solutions
X
ylem Inc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy (MoWIE) for future cooperation to help advance the country’s water security. The MoU was signed at an event in Ethiopia attended by the country’s Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy His Excellency Dr Eng Seleshi Bekele; State Minister Water Supply and Sanitation Dr Negash Wagesho; Xylem president and CEO Patrick Decker; and a representative of the US Embassy in Ethiopia. Dr Bekele said that the MoU creates an enabling platform to improve water supply and sanitation service delivery and ensure scheme sustainability. Decker spoke about the solutions Xylem would explore for the region, including non-revenue water, knowledge sharing, and creating more water and energy efficiencies to maximise resources and lessen the impact on the environment. “This exploratory partnership is a chance to strengthen our working relationship with the Ministry and build on positive conversations around water systems optimisation, energy, water and sewage
coverage, and to create a foundation that can help advance Ethiopia’s water sector in the future,” said Decker. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Ministry to identify potential ways to leverage our broad portfolio of leading-edge technologies to help build water security in Ethiopia – and address one of the greatest challenges of our time: solving water.” For further information, visit www.xylem.com
Lanxess partners with Standard Lithium
S
pecialty chemicals company Lanxess and Canada’s Standard Lithium Ltd are planning to collaborate on the commercial production of battery grade lithium from the brine at El Dorado, Arkansas, USA. The two companies are currently considering setting up a joint venture. Lanxess operates three plants for the production of bromine products in El Dorado. The bromine is extracted from the brine produced at the site. The brine also contains lithium. “For us, innovation also means developing new uses for existing products. The cooperation with Standard Lithium is still at a very early stage, but could open up exciting prospects for us in a trend-setting industry,” said Matthias Zachert, chairman of the Lanxess AG board of management. A feasibility study is underway. For the planned cooperation, Lanxess will provide access to its existing infrastructure in El Dorado, while Standard Lithium will build and operate a pilot plant on the premises. Lanxess says that Standard Lithium has developed an innovative process for the extraction of high-purity lithium directly from brines. For further information, visit www.lanxess.com
National launch for Evoqua’s Water One platform
E
voqua Water Technologies has launched its optimised Water One service platform nationwide.
November 2018