IN FOCUS

Global, national, technology and regulatory factors are all shaping the future of the industrial pump industry. The best forecast today may not be the best forecast tomorrow based on some singular event. A case in point would be the surprise decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate the Clean Power Plan. Because China accounts for more than 30 percent of pump purchases, any economic change in that country will potentially have measureable impact on global market forecasts.

Atlas Copco has appointed Ken Revell and Stef Lievens to lead its Compressor Technique Service (CTS) division in the UK. The division has recently been re-structured to help customers improve the uptime of their compressed air and vacuum systems through an expanded range of aftermarket services, including air compressor optimisation, big data analysis, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, as well as genuine spare parts and service.

Fristam Pumpen finished its fiscal year with a new sales record. With 87 million Euros in sales, the German pump manufacturer based in Hamburg exceeded the previous year’s figure by 12 %. The company’s strong market position in Europe and North America had a positive effect. In terms of product lines, significant growth rates were achieved with mixers, homogenizers and pumps for non-hygienic applications.

The Gorman-Rupp Company reports financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015.

Düsseldorf-based engineering group GEA closed financial year 2015 on a successful note despite the renewed slowdown in economic activity. The preliminary key indicators underscore the Group s sound performance in the year under review.

The Board of Directors of Sulzer has appointed Armand Sohet as Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Committee. Frenchman Armand Sohet, 50 years old, joins Sulzer from General Electric.

Fish is a major source of protein for over one billion people around the world, especially in the developing countries. In the U.S. the awareness of protein from fish consumption and other health benefits is making fish farming a profitable business.

Pentair announced fourth quarter 2015 sales of $1.8 billion. Sales were down 2 percent compared to sales for the same period last year. Excluding the unfavorable impact of currency translation and positive contribution from acquisitions, core sales declined 4 percent in the fourth quarter.

GF’s Chief Financial Officer Roland Abt (59) has been proposed for nomination as member of the Board of Swisscom AG. He has therefore decided to step down at the end of 2016.

GEA yesterday signed an agreement to take over Imaforni Int l S.p.A., a leading supplier of demanding industrial processing equipment and solutions for the biscuits industry. The company is based in Verona, Italy and generated revenues in excess of EUR 85 million with around 210 employees in fiscal year 2015.