A New Strong Connection

Passavant-Geiger GmbH (Germany), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bilfinger SE, have recently acquired Johnson Screens, a global specialist in screening products for water infrastructure, wastewater treatment, hydrocarbon processing and general filtration. Combining the competencies and resources of these two companies, each of which has a long and storied tradition, will create a global leader for components and services for nearly all areas of water and wastewater technologies. Passavant-Geiger GmbH and Johnson Screens Inc. will form the Bilfinger Water Technologies Group under which the large number of companies can unite, complement one another and present their individual features to the market.

The management of Johnson Screens Inc. has welcomed the merger and will continue to be part of the future management of the Bilfinger Water Technologies Group. Johnson Screens, which was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in New Brighton Minnesota, USA, generates with about 1,200 employees an output volume of approximately €160 million. The company manufactures mechanical components for the separation of solids from liquids and gases and also offers related services from eleven locations around the world. The products are used for the extraction and treatment of drinking water. They also play an important role in wastewater treatment and refining applications for oil and gas as well as other industrial applications.

As a result of this take-over, Passavant-Geiger doubles its output volume in the water and waste water sector to over €300 million. In his statement, Joachim Foerderer, Passavant-Geiger CEO and CEO of the future Bilfinger Water Technologies explained: “The strategic importance of this merger of two leading international companies is apparent not only from a glance at the key figures. With the integration of Johnson Screens we continue our global growth strategy and strengthen our position in the international competition over the long term. Both the management and employees of Passavant-Geiger are pleased with the strong international addition. We are excited about the new connection and are very much looking forward to working with the new colleagues from Johnson Screens. We can now approach new industries and new customer groups”.

With locations in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia Pacific and Australia, the new group has a strong global footprint. This creates new sales opportunities for its established brands, such as Passavant, Johnson Screens, Geiger, Airvac, Diemme, Roediger, Noggerath and Screenex. Further important advantages are presented by the new access to important growth markets in the USA, Brazil, India, South Africa and Australia.

Both the product lines and the geographic presence of the two companies complement each other exceptionally well. Bill Rouse, President of Johnson Screens Inc. and future COO of Bilfinger Water Technologies underlines the optimal synergies that will be created in technology and sales. “These include, most importantly, the interlocking competencies from which our customers will benefit in the future. The integration of our companies will be fostered by a mutual exchange of know-how and the mix of experienced professionals in individual teams. The sum of what we will be able to achieve together is far greater than what we ever would have been able to achieve separately”.