This year at WEFTEC was a very exciting one for Howden. We always look forward to the world’s premier waste water event, and this year in Chicago we had an additional reason to be excited as day two of the exhibition coincided with the completion of a very significant acquisition for us.

The Acquisition

In March 2017, it was announced that Howden would be acquiring Siemens Turbomachinery Equipment (Europe and China) and Siemens Energy (America). Since then we have been working behind the scenes to get ready for the completion of that acquisition. There have been some great milestones along the way, including the decision to return some great brand names to the market place – Turblex^®, HV-TURBO^®, and Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch^® – the formation of Howden Turbo Technologies (a home to our newly acquired brands along with Donkin^®, ExVel^® and Roots^®), and the addition of Steam Turbines to our range of products. The interesting thing about this is that Howden was slated to take control of the businesses right in the middle of the WEFTEC show – where Turblex would finally be revealed to the public as a new member of the Howden Turbo Technologies family of brands.

Excitement for Howden Roots and Turblex at WEFTEC

Everyone was talking about all of the elegant, pure white sheets draped over the equipment in Howden's booth #3931. Curious guests and onlookers were told to return the next morning for a big announcement followed by a special unveiling.

WEFTEC 2017 got underway on October 2 and Howden had two stands to man. On booth #4012, we were talking to visitors about our waste water treatment compressors and blowers – specifically our Roots brand and our SG series of turbo blowers. We also had the new EasyAir Rotary package blower on display.

If you are interested in the EasyAir Rotary, you can view the animation showing its inner workings.

The Unveiling

On October 2 at 6pm Central time, the news was released that Howden had completed the purchase of Siemens Turbomachinery Equipment / Siemens Energy – read the news here. At 9am the next morning, the crowds began to gather around booth 3931. John Parrish, Senior Vice President of Howden Roots, welcomed the Turblex brand and our new colleagues to Howden and, following a countdown, the sheets were removed to reveal the new equipment.

Throughout the rest of the day, the Howden team was busy with visitors to the booth who were intrigued by the news and new Howden Turbo Technology equipment. As the end of the eventful day approached, we hosted a celebration at the stand and were joined by Colfax CEO Matt Trerotola.

WEFTEC 2017 was exceptionally special and exciting for Howden this year as we announced the inclusion of new global turbo brands into the Howden family. As we packed up and left Chicago, we all reflected on the huge change that has taken place in our business and what that means for you. Our family of Howden Turbo Technology brands is expanding and that means more brands, solutions, experience and support for our customers. You can find out more about our new Turbo technologies which will include compressors and blowers along with our new range of steam turbines.