IN FOCUS

“The Pump Congress under the leading topic “Pumps and their applications” which is organized by the Pump Manufacturers Association within VDMA since 1973 will get a new orientation for the new millennium. With the new name “Pump Users International Forum 2000” as well as this year’s main focus “Total life cycle costs” we want to incorporate more than in the past. We are very glad to organize this forum for the first time in collaboration with our partner associations EUROPUMP and Hydraulic Institute (USA). With this measure we take into consideration the increasing internationalization of our business. We are convinced that this program will find your interest and would be glad to welcome you at the Forum.” (F. U. Arnold, Chairman of Pump Manufacturers Association in VDMA)

VSX’ pump selection software Spaix® features the complete pump selection, technical documentation and the creation of quotation forms within one program. The integrated e-mail function and defined interfaces enable an easy project management as well as fast communication to your business partners.

The program’s user interface is switchable within 5 languages – English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. The manufacturer says further translations are under preparation.

After 18 years as head of Cardo’s Pump business area, Hans Borneson has decided to leave his post. He will be assisting Cardo’s group management team on a part-time basis in, for instance, acquisition matters primarily concerning the pump operation.

The acquisition by Sulzer of the pump business of Ahlstrom Corporation, Helsinki, Finland has now been finalized. The parties have completed negotiations and agreed to a takeover price of EUR 160 million (about CHF 250 million). The transaction has also been approved by the antitrust authorities.

On Monday, ACHEMA 2000, the international Exhibition Congress for chemical engineering, environmental protection, and biotechnology, opened with strong attendance and an optimistic atmosphere among attendees and exhibitors. 4,148 exhibitors from 48 countries are presenting the latest developments in plant and equipment, technology and know-how for the chemical and other process industry sectors. The 145,572 m2 net exhibition space is divided among 9 halls and an open air area. There are twelve thematic exhibition groups and special show on biotechnology. Since the last event in 1997, the number of exhibitors has increased by 12.2 % and the net exhibi-tion area has grown by 3.5 %, beating all previous records.

Sanitaire Corporation, which became a part of ITT Flygt in January 1999, will supply over 100,000 diffusers and 96 large ABJ stainless steal decanters over an eight month period, beginning in April 2001, at a value of over US$12.5 million. The process equipment requires minimum maintenance, and enables plant personnel to observe effluent quality at all times, it also provides emergency overflow control and a uniform rate of discharge.

KSB’s key pump topic at the Achema 2000 is “Life Cycle Cost Reduction”. The features focused on are improved efficiency and increased reliability of the new sealless pumps.

Operating profit reached 37 MSEK (same as last year ) thanks to the good development of sales of cost-effective pumps, mixers and aerators to the Water and Waste water segment. Invoiced sales for the first quarter of 2000 increased to 571 Million Swedish Crowns (last year 538).

Sulzer has acquired the pump activities of the A. Ahlstrom Corporation, Helsinki. Final closing is expected in mid May, subject to approval of the regulatory and antitrust authorities. This strategic acquisition gives Sulzer a leading position in pumps for the pulp and paper industry. Sulzer Pumps sales will rise thereby from EUR 445 million (CHF 710 million) to EUR 580 million (CHF 930 million). Personnel will increase by 1000 to about 5000 employees in total. The purchase price is approximately EUR 145 million (CHF 230 million).

Denmark-Finland. As from May 1 2000, Sarlin Pumps of Finland will be taken over by the Grundfos pump manufacturing Group, reaffirming its strategic objective of becoming a leading player within the waste-water pump business.

A contract confirming the purchase has been signed. In the future the Sarlin Group will focus on the business areas of Beamex, Sarlin Furnaces, Sarlin-Hydor, and Sarlin Automation.

Sarlin Pumps bring to their new owner complementary waste-water products, service, and competence, making Grundfos the natural choice for customers, including wholesalers, utility companies, and contractors looking for complete pumping solutions in the framework of waste-water pumps sized up to 600 kW.