In a move to further expand its technological base and market access in the field of water filtration, Mann+Hummel (Ludwigsburg / Germany; www.mann-hummel.com) has acquired Singaporean polyacrylnitrile membrane specialist Ultra-Flo (www.ultra-flo.com.sg). The acquisition will take effect on 1 September 2010. Ultra-Flo’s 60 employees, active in the fields of R&D, sales and membrane production, are expected to generate sales of about EUR 10m this year.

As part of its efforts to become less dependent on the automotive industry, in 2009 the German company founded Mann+Hummel Filter Technology in Singapore. The acquisition of Ultra-Flo is part of this reorientation, with future plans to offer water treatment solutions in other regions, including NAFTA, as well.

Mann+Hummel estimates that the global market for water treatment products and solutions is worth about EUR 18 bn. At the core of this market stand water filtration membranes such as those manufactured by Ultra-Flo, which eliminate germs, bacteria and viruses.