Dynamic Year Closed with Strong Financial Results

Water technology company Paques (Netherlands) has ended 2011 positively. The revenue increased by more than 30% to € 58,6 million, while the net profit strongly increased to 7 million euro.

These figures are the consolidated result of the operational activities of Paques in Balk (the Netherlands), Shanghai (China) and Piracicaba (Brasil). The Dutch operation benefited in 2011 of improved market conditions in strong economic areas since the last quarter of 2010. Paques performed well in established markets like food & beverages, paper & pulp and the chemical industry. Paques was also successful in emerging industries like the bio-energy market, for example the production of 2nd generation bio-ethanol. Furthermore, in 2011 Paques was successful with the further roll out of innovative technologies like the BIOPAQ AFR (an anaerobic reactor developed for treatment of high fat containing waste waters) and the ANAMMOX (for sustainable and cost effective nitrogen removal). Especially the sales of the ANAMMOX technology accelerated in 2011.

2011 was for Paques in several respects dynamic. Shell and Paques Holding BV agreed upon the formation of a 50-50 joint venture, Paqell, to focus their efforts on the marketing of biological desulphurisation in the oil & gas sector for high pressure applications using THIOPAQ O&G (oil & gas) technology. Furthermore, a local subsidiary in Brasil was started. By the end of last year SKion GmbH, the investment firm of German entrepreneur Susanne Klatten (BMW, ALTANA, SGL) acquired a share of 20% in Paques.

“The need for technologies that provide solutions for growing water scarcity and the growing demand for green energy and resources is expected to increase. With our mission statement Revitalising Resources, we anticipate on these challenges. Therefore, we see the future with confidence. Our sound financial position helps us to exploit the opportunities in the market whereby we will continue to invest in innovation and market development” said Rob Heim, CEO Paques Holding BV.