Von Roll expands into water through BHU acquisition

Swiss industrial Von Roll Holding has entered the water sector by acquiring German water and wastewater treatment specialist BHU Umwelttechnik, which it claims is the first of several water technology acquisitions.

Von Roll, which supplies electrical insulators and transformers to the power industry, wants to use BHU’s process engineering expertise to extend its product and service offering. A company source told GWI that the newly formed division, Von Roll Water, is looking to leverage BHU’s activities in process water and drinking water, whilst diversifying into seawater desalination. BHU’s process technologies include a raw water clarification system and a biological anti-fouling technology for use in reverse osmosis plants.

While BHU’s references are concentrated in Germany, Eastern Europe and China, the backing of the Von Roll group should allow it to realise further expansion potential into the US and the Middle East. BHU posted revenues of CHF12 million ($12 million) last year.