Grundfos, a global leader in pumping solutions and water technologies, has recently completed the acquisition of Culligan’s commercial and industrial division, further extending its reach in Italy, France, and the UK. This move reinforces the Danish group’s position in the water treatment sector and marks a strategic step in diversifying its portfolio beyond its core expertise in advanced pumping solutions.
As a result of the acquisition, Grundfos Water Treatment Italy was established. As the company stated, the new entity was created to tackle the escalating global challenges of water scarcity and climate change. “Backed by the strength of an international group, we think globally while acting locally, delivering bespoke solutions to meet every water qualification need, combining efficient water management with advanced monitoring systems,” said Lauro Prati, Industrial Sales Business Unit Director at Grundfos Water Treatment Italy.
Grundfos expansion
Grundfos’ acquisition of Culligan’s commercial and industrial operations in Italy, France, and the UK marks a significant step in its drive to expand within the water treatment sector. This milestone follows another achievement, as Grundfos became the first company in the industry to receive validation from the Science Based Targets initiative for its goal of achieving net zero emissions. The company has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050.
“This acquisition allows us to offer our customers a broader portfolio and service offering,” said Inge Delobelle, EVP & Divisional CEO, Industry Division, at Grundfos. The acquired businesses generated a turnover of more than 100 million euros in 2023 and employ around 400 people across Italy, France, and the UK.
This deal follows a series of acquisitions by Grundfos in the water treatment sector, including Eurowater (2020), MECO (2021), and Water Works (2022). However, this transaction does not include Culligan’s business operations in Italy, France, or the UK, nor its commercial and light industrial activities in the Middle East, Spain, and North America. All these entities will remain part of Culligan also in the future.
Grundfos Water Treatment Italy: the operational core stays in Bologna
The operational core of Grundfos Water Treatment Italy will be based at the historic Culligan facility in Cadriano of Granarolo dell’Emilia, which has been operational since 1960. Serving as a strategic centre for the design and production of systems aimed at optimising water recovery and reuse, the facility houses an engineering and R&D department, an analysis laboratory, and a logistics centre — key components in driving innovation in water treatment.
Grundfos Water Treatment develops technologies designed to integrate with both new and existing systems, enhancing water efficiency across a range of sectors. In the industrial field, these solutions optimise production processes and facilitate the reuse of process and wastewater. In the municipal sector, advanced systems support wastewater reuse and desalination, while in the agri-food sector, specialised treatments enable process water recovery. For the residential sector, Grundfos provides integrated systems for rainwater and greywater recovery, while in hospitality, it offers solutions for managing swimming facilities and wastewater recovery.
This article is also available in Italian / Questa notizia è disponibile anche in italiano
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