Freudenberg Filtration Technologies signs contract to purchase majority shareholdings of Apollo Air-cleaner Co., Ltd. in China
The global technology group Freudenberg is expanding its filter business. The Freudenberg Filtration Technologies Business Group signed a contract in China in December 2018 to purchase the majority shares of Apollo Air-cleaner Co., Ltd. The company is a leading supplier of air and water filtration solutions in China. In 2017, Apollo had around 1,000 employees and generated 750 million RMB in sales (approximately 96 million EUR). The transaction still requires approval from competition authorities.
“By purchasing the majority stake in Apollo, we are strengthening our position in China’s rapidly growing market for filtration solutions,” said Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Freudenberg Group CEO.
Air and water filtration solutions are enjoying strong year-on-year growth rates, especially in China, thanks to legislation demanding stricter regulations and increased environmental awareness. Experts estimate that the global market for products of Apollo – filters for room air purifiers, decentralized ventilation systems and water treatment – will have a total value of some 5 billion USD by the year 2022.
“Apollo is a great fit for Freudenberg,” said Dr. Andreas Kreuter, CEO of Freudenberg Filtration Technologies. “It is an innovative technology company that complements our own portfolio of filtration solutions for indoor air and water purification. The company also has first class production expertise and excellent networks in the industry.”
The product solutions of Apollo keep air or drinking water free of (ultra) fine particles, dangerous gases, odors and microorganisms and protect health. At its production site in Shunde, China, the company has established high standards for product quality, process efficiency and workplace safety, and is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and TS 16949.
Apollo will continue as a joint venture between Freudenberg (major shareholder) and the current sole proprietor Apollo Trading Group, Japan, under the name Freudenberg Apollo Filtration Technologies. Freudenberg Filtration Technologies intends to bring its current consumer filtration business into the joint venture.
Manufacturing, R&D and Customer Services at both Freudenberg Filtration Technologies and Apollo will benefit from the transaction. Main examples are the complementary competencies in filter media and gas filtration, which is growing ever more important.
“For nearly 20 years, Apollo has been offering innovative filtration solutions, improving the quality of life in China,” said Akihisa Yamamoto, CEO of Apollo Trading Group, and then adds: “The global development and production network and the more extensive portfolio of technological product solutions stemming from this joint venture will primarily benefit our customers.”
Apollo Air-cleaner Co., Ltd. develops and manufactures air and water purification products. The company provides filtration solutions for a variety of applications, for example for air-conditioners, refrigerators, room air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, automobiles, kitchen facilities, humidifiers, HVAC equipment, medical purifiers, water purifiers, printers and copy machines. The company was founded in July 2000. In 2017, it reached sales of 750 million RMB (approximately 96 million EUR) and employed some 1,000 people. www.apollo-f.com
As a global technology leader in air and liquid filtration, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies develops and produces high-performance, energy-efficient filtration solutions which improve the efficiency of industrial processes, conserve resources, protect people and the environment and thus enhance the quality of life. With its Viledon and micronAir global brands, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies offers customers innovative filter elements and systems for the energy and resources, hygiene and health, automobile and transport, production and building technology sectors, and for highly-specialized applications. In 2017, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies generated sales of around 423 million EUR and employed almost 2,100 people. www.freudenberg- filter.com
Freudenberg is a global technology group that strengthens its customers and society long-term through forward-looking innovations. Together with its partners, customers and research institutions, the Freudenberg Group develops leading-edge technologies and excellent products and services for more than 30 markets and for thousands of applications: seals, vibration control components, technical textiles, filters, specialty chemicals, medical products, IT services and the most modern cleaning products.
Strength of innovation, strong customer orientation, diversity, and team spirit are the cornerstones of the Group. The 169-year-old company holds strong to its core values: a commitment to excellence, reliability and pro-active, responsible action.
In 2017, the Freudenberg Group employed approximately 48,000 people in some 60 countries worldwide and generated sales of more than 9.3 billion EUR. For more information, please visit www.freudenberg.com
