John Crane expands into filtration systems

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Mar 21, 2008

John Crane has announced the acquisition of Indufil BV, a specialist in the production of filtration systems used for rotating equipment fluid, fuel and gas conditioning

Netherlands-based Indufil specialises in the production of patented filtration systems used for rotating equipment fluid, fuel and gas conditioning.

Employing some 95 people, Indufil has bases in Duiven and Ede and much of its output is used in the petrochemical and power generation sectors.

It benefits from a strong aftermarket for its products, and in the financial year to 31 December 2007 it had estimated sales equivalent to GBP26 million.

Mike Mansell, Managing Director of John Crane EAA, said: "This is a perfect illustration of our growth strategy in action as we seek to increase the scope of technology-based products associated with rotating equipment in our core markets.

It will also increase our service offering to the aftermarket which can be supported through our existing global network.

This comes only months after we acquired Sartorius Bearing Technology.

That move allowed us to add engineered bearings to our offering and these will now be joined by Indufil specialist filtration systems.

"Our current intention is that Indufil will remain in its location and become the headquarters of the John Crane filtration systems business unit.

The Indufil market is worth over GBP300 million and this acquisition gives us access to that potential.

It sells to customers who already benefit from John Crane technology and the addition of these new products will enable us to widen the scope of service that we can offer these customers.

As the petrochemical and power generation markets continue to expand it will generate significant opportunities to grow the Indufil business and with the backing of the John Crane global network we feel ideally placed to exploit this growth".

John Crane is part of Smiths Group, and is a global leader in the manufacture of mechanical sealing systems and associated technologies.