The global technology group Freudenberg is expanding its filter business. The Freudenberg Filtration Technologies Business Group has signed a contract in China 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," says 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," says 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, odours 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," says 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."