By: Wendi Hope King
Once again I have the opportunity to take a good look at companies in the industry and receive a clear picture of all of the changes and consolidation that have taken place throughout the past year. Once I receive information direct from companies–for the first time this year via WaterInfoCenter.com–I am able to compile this golden list of consolidation, start-ups and contact information changes to offer you, our readers, a buoy in the sea of water treatment companies.
During the past year, our industry has seen plenty of brand names that were purchased and consolidations that occurred. Stretching as far back as last year’s Buyer’s Guide (August 2000), The Marmon Group announced its purchase of Alamo Water Refiners, Inc., in San Antonio, Texas, which created an even more complete water treatment giant. Since then, there have been several consolidations such as Crane Environmental’s acquisition of Florida-based Force Filtration Systems and Sparkling Spring Water Holdings, Ltd.’s acquisition of Pure Water Corp. and Polaris Water Co., Inc., all of which have followed suit. In addition, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. acquired Environmental Health Laboratories back in April as a new division to provide a wide range of services and strengthen collective water quality efforts. More recently was the announcement of Sunroc Corp.’s purchase of CORDLEY/Temprite bottled water cooler division, which strengthened Sunroc’s product range.
Consolidation is certainly not new to the water treatment industry. In fact, each of these companies has strategically bought companies that will add to their "total solution." These businesses are finding unique partnership opportunties as well as acquisitions that fit their needs.
Amidst all of these company changes were the regulation/standards changes that provided such a challenge to keep up with the pace of the industry. Arsenic, of course, this year has been at the forefront of many discussions and debates. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took much criticism from both sides, it continues to push forward to bring the industry a revised rule in 2002.
This year, we are providing a brief overview of regulations that have taken effect in the past year as well as providing a preview of what to watch for in the year to come. On page 7, WQP provides a look into government actions that have affected or will affect the water treatment market.
The following pages also bring you association, product and supplier listings for the water treatment industry. All of this information in one source gives you the power to stay afloat in the sometimes volatile market.
Welcome to the water treatment industry.
Wendi Hope King
[email protected]
* If your company is not listed, please visit WaterInfoCenter.com to add/update your listing.
