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As part of this bi-weekly newsletter, we bring you the latest industry news, technology innovations and appointments from across the industry including:
Grundfos Acquisition, ABB Appointment and Toronto going digital!
To quick things off, exciting Xylem research shows how water utilities are facilitating net zero!
As world leaders gather in Baku, Azerbaijan at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), new research from Xylem shows that the water sector is answering the call to decarbonize with ambitious strategies to deploy advanced technology to cut the sector’s carbon footprint.
Water and wastewater utilities are often the largest power users in cities and can generate powerful methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Leading utilities are deploying replicable approaches that any community can use to cut emissions from their water systems and make their communities more water secure. Xylem’s research shows how these experiences can serve as a framework for achieving rapid and lasting emissions reductions across the sector:
1. Prioritize energy efficiency for quick wins: Pumping, treatment, and distribution processes consume large amounts of electricity. Energy-efficient technologies can deliver immediate decarbonization results across the sector. For example, Scottish Water has deployed high-efficiency smart pumping systems that cut energy consumption by 40% and reduce unplanned maintenance costs by 99%.
2. Combine net zero and climate adaptation efforts: By uniting greenhouse gas reduction and resilience strategies, utilities can fast-track decarbonization and adaptation. In Santiago, Chile, Aguas Andinas is turning wastewater into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. By converting organic waste into biogas, the utility generates energy onsite to cut emissions, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance energy security for critical water treatment processes. These measures, combined with purchasing renewable energy and finding efficiencies, have enabled the utility to reduce GHG emissions by 25%.
3. Manage emissions across all operational processes: Utilities are adopting an end-to-end approach, addressing emissions across all operational processes, from energy generation to wastewater treatment. After reaching net energy neutrality in 2023 with renewable sources such as solar and hydropower, Ruhrverband of Essen, Germany, is deploying advanced sensors to monitor and address nitrous oxide emissions and leveraging artificial intelligence to identify further emission reduction opportunities.
Alexis de Kerchove, senior director, Client Sustainability, at Xylem, said: “Innovative utilities are demonstrating that water sector emissions are a solvable problem – and that net zero can be a catalyst for optimization, delivering positive social impacts and cost savings. By scaling these approaches, the entire sector could reach net zero faster than previously imagined.”
Alexis de Kerchove, senior director, Client Sustainability, at Xylem, said:
Innovative utilities are demonstrating that water sector emissions are a solvable problem – and that net zero can be a catalyst for optimization, delivering positive social impacts and cost savings. By scaling these approaches, the entire sector could reach net zero faster than previously imagined.
Silhorko-Eurowater was acquired by GRUNDFOS in 2020, as part of Grundfos’s strategy to strengthen its position in the water treatment market.
Internationally, the company was previously known as Eurowater, while in Denmark, where it is headquartered, it was known as Silhorko.
The now former Silhorko-Eurowater becomes part of the newly established business area Grundfos Water Treatment Europe, which also includes Grundfos’s recent acquisition of Culligans in Italy, France and the UK. The new business area has a turnover of €200 million and employs 1,000 water treatment specialists, positioning Grundfos as a leader in water treatment in Europe.
By combining our capabilities in Grundfos Water Treatment Europe, we can offer even better solutions to customers with enhanced know-how and a broader range of products and services, with the same focus on quality and customer service that our companies are known for today,
said Francesco Magri, head of the European water treatment business in Grundfos. He further added:
It is more critical than ever that we treat, consume, and reuse water with great care. As a purpose-driven company with an ambition to create sustainable solutions to the world’s water and climate challenges, Grundfos’s new business area is an important step in its journey from being a leading pump company to one which delivers complete, innovative water treatment solutions.
Grundfos has strengthened the company’s capabilities in water treatment over the past few years. In addition to the two European companies now integrated under the Grundfos brand, the company acquired American water treatment companies MECO (Mechanical Equipment Company, Inc.) in 2021 and Water Works in 2022.
Ebara Corp has acquired an 80% stake in Uruguayan pump sales company Asanvil SA through its Brazilian subsidiary Ebara Bombas América Do Sul Ltda (EBAS).
Asanvil is now a subsidiary of EBAS.
Located in Canelones, Uruguay, Asanvil’s main business is the assembly, sales, and after-sales service of standard pumps and other products.
In its medium-term management plan E-Plan 2025, Ebara has positioned the Building & Industrial Segment as a growth business. In order to capture growth markets and increase its market share globally, Ebara is aggressively investing, including through M&A, to establish new bases. The comnpany has already established 10 new bases (including three through M&A) in the five years since 2020, and this will be the 11th.
Trillium Flow Technologies has announced the appointment of Douglas Kitani as its chief executive officer.
Kitani joined Trillium in April 2024 as interim CEO and brings more than 20 years of operational, strategic, and corporate development experience to the group.
Prior to joining Trillium, Kitani most recently served as the CEO of Erickson, a designer and manufacturer of highly engineered aerospace equipment. Before Erickson, he was CEO of IAP Global, a global provider of technical services, and held various operational roles with Dyncorp and Honeywell. Kitani graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and received his MBA from Emory University.
Jeff Quake, managing partner at First Reserve and chairman of the Trillium board of directors, said:
The board welcomes Doug to the executive team and looks forward to working closely with him as Trillium continues to execute on its growth strategy. He brings a wealth of relevant manufacturing and aftermarket experience, and his strategic vision and proven leadership ability make him a perfect fit for Trillium
Kitani said:
I’m excited to lead Trillium at this pivotal time. Our strong product portfolio, global footprint, and dedicated team create a powerful foundation for growth, particularly as we see increased investment in critical infrastructure worldwide. By continuing to innovate and adapt to evolving market needs, we will strengthen our position as an industry leader
Trillium’s pump brands include Gabbioneta Pumps, Termomeccanica Pompe, Begemann, Floway, Roto-Jet and Wemco.
ABB has signed an agreement to purchase Aurora Motors, a US$4 million global provider of vertical pump motors.
With engineering and operations in Shanghai, China and a corporate office and distribution center in Hayward, California, USA, Aurora Motors brings a well-regarded product portfolio to ABB. Aurora has a longstanding customer base in 30 countries, an experienced customer-centered sales structure, and solid partnerships with strategic suppliers.
The acquisition is part of ABB's Motion Business area's growth strategy, and it will allow the NEMA Motors Division to enhance its product offering, expand its supply chain and improve support to its global customer base.
This bolt-on acquisition is a strategic move that not only expands our global footprint but also fills key market white spots. This acquisition aligns with our vision to enhance innovation and deliver unparalleled value to our customers worldwide
said Jesse Henson, president of ABB's NEMA Division.
Combining Aurora's extensive experience and expertise in the vertical pump motor sector with ABB's top-tier operations and commitment to excellence in the industry is genuinely thrilling!
said Conroy Shum, president of Aurora Motors.
Armstrong Fluid Technology is helping to create the world’s first 100% digitally-enabled building and research facility at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
The Smart Campus and Integration Testing Hub (SCITHub) is designed to explore solutions for decarbonizing the built environment and help achieve net-zero emissions.
Armstrong will contribute a variety of technologically advanced equipment including Design Envelope pumps, circulators expansion tanks, and air separators.
Created as a model of post-2030 smart and sustainable construction, this 100% digitally-enabled facility integrates a diverse range of building systems technology (HVAC, lighting, building envelope, security, IT, and communications)
said Paul Scarafile, Commercial Director, Canada, Armstrong Fluid Technology.
The two-story building will have a fully integrated IT system connecting all building elements together that can be controlled by apps. The first floor will facilitate research and development for Smart Homes and host the Operations and Visualization center tying the SCITHub into the wider Smart Campus, while the second floor will have workshops and test cells to compare different technologies for Smart Offices
A lot of the technologies developed in the SCITHub are going to be groundbreaking, for testing and developing how we can build better homes and workplaces. It’s going to give us better buildings for people and the planet
said Jenn McArthur, architectural science professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and SCITHub principal investigator
The British Pump Manufacturers Association’s (BPMA) wide-ranging and established training programme is designed to support professionals across the pump manufacturing sector, ensuring that companies remain competitive and compliant in a continually evolving marketplace.
The BPMA’s training programme covers a broad range of technical, theoretical, and practical topics for both experienced engineers and newcomers. In an industry that faces rapidly advancing technologies and growing regulatory demands, maintaining a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential for business success. BPMA says its training equips professionals with the expertise they need to meet these challenges head-on.
The courses deliver up-to-date knowledge on key areas such as:
• Pump System Fundamentals: Providing an in-depth understanding of pump operation, design, and optimisation for efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency: Focusing on methods to reduce energy consumption, minimise environmental impact, and achieve cost savings.
• Maintenance & Reliability: Offering strategies to maintain peak pump performance, reduce downtime, and extend equipment lifespan.
• Standards and Compliance: Ensuring participants are well-versed in the latest UK and international regulations impacting the pump sector.
Delivered by industry experts and BPMA specialists, all courses are accredited and recognised within the sector. Participants not only gain valuable technical knowledge but also industry-recognised certifications that enhance professional development and career progression.
Gary W., technical services officer at the BPMA, said:
Our training programme has long been an essential resource for the industry. By keeping companies up to date with the latest technological advances and regulatory changes, we help them stay competitive and maintain operational excellence. Training is central to the BPMA’s mission of promoting best practices across the pump industry
In addition to its public courses, the BPMA also offers tailored training options for companies seeking to upskill their teams with bespoke content relevant to their specific operational needs.
Ecolab today announced the acquisition of Barclay Water Management, a fast-growing provider of water safety and digital monitoring solutions for industrial and institutional customers based primarily in the northeastern United States.
Barclay Water Management provides differentiated water safety solutions, including the proprietary iChlor® Monochloramine System for the treatment of Legionella bacteria in drinking water systems. This secondary disinfection program improves water quality, extends the life of customer assets, and provides continuous on-line monitoring and control of water chemistry.
We welcome the Barclay team to Ecolab – a company with more than 100 years of experience helping to protect people and the resources vital to life
said Joshua Magnuson, executive vice president and general manager, Global Light Water.
We have a new and exciting opportunity to bring Barclay’s innovative water safety solutions to customers across North America. By aligning them with Ecolab’s complementary circular water solutions and our real-time monitoring ECOLAB3D™ digital platform, we are creating a new platform for growth. Our comprehensive offering will help customers improve water safety while also enhancing operational performance through reduced water and energy use.
The transaction closed on November 1, 2024. Headquartered in Newton, MA, Barclay Water Management’s 2023 sales were approximately $50 million. No additional transaction terms will be disclosed.
About Ecolab
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $15 billion, employs more than 46,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets.
