In the dynamic and global filtration industry, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Filtration News is tracking stories relevant to our industry from air and gas filtration to liquid filtration and the various end-uses for filtration technology. Here we will post news stories relevant to filtration and its downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg: ken@filtnews.com
Most recent update: February 03, 2026
Atlas Copco Acquires Zind in Germany
Atlas Copco has acquired German filter distributor Zind Verfahrenstechnik for an undisclosed fee, boosting its profile in Europe’s largest economy.
Zind, located in Mainz, distributes filter cartridges and capsules for air, gas and process liquids, filter housings, and associated spare parts. Its customers are mainly industrial manufacturers in sectors such as pharmaceutical, water, electronics, food and beverage, as well as general industry.
“This acquisition is fully in line with our ambition to further enhance our process filtration solutions and will strengthen our presence in Germany,” said Philippe Ernens, Business Area President Compressor Technique for Atlas Copco.
Zind joins the Medical Gas Solutions division within the compressor technique business area. Atlas Copco recently bought Florida-based Air Compressor Works and Centroar in Brazil.
Donaldson Makes $820M Deal to Buy Filtration Group’s Facet Business
Donaldson Company, Inc. has entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement to acquire all equity interests of Facet (Oklahoma) LLC and Facet Netherlands B.V. for $820 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments for cash, debt, transaction expenses and net working capital.
Donaldson Company said the acquisition of Filtration Group’s Facet business will strengthen and diversify the company’s core product portfolio.
Minnesota-based Donaldson expects the acquisition of Filtration Group’s Facet business to add about $110 million to Donaldson’s annual sales.
Founded in 1943, Facet mostly serves the aviation and marine industries in the U.S. and Europe.
Facet also fits with Donaldson’s business model, which is similar to selling razors to sell razor blades. About 70% of Facet’s annual revenue is from consumables that are required to be replaced at scheduled intervals due to regulations.
Jowat SE Announces Change in Leadership in Asia
Jowat SE announced a change in the leadership of its national companies in Asia. Leonhard Ritzhaupt has been appointed Vice President Asia-Pacific, effective January 1, 2026, and will assume responsibility for driving the strategic and operational development of Jowat’s business across the region.
“With Leonhard Ritzhaupt, we gain a leader who combines industry expertise, international experience and strategic vision,” said Klaus Kullmann of Jowat’s Board of Directors.
Leonhard Ritzhaupt succeeds Dr. Ralf Schelbach, who has been instrumental in the expansion of Jowat’s Asia operations since 2009 and will now assume a new role within the Jowat Group at his own request. Dr. Schelbach first joined the company as executive director of Jowat (Beijing) Adhesives Co., Ltd., took on additional responsibilities as regional manager North East Asia in February 2009, and was appointed Vice President Asia-Pacific on January 1, 2014.
Vystar Enters Final Testing of Breakthrough Dialysis Water Filtration Technology
Vystar Corporation, a diversified innovation company announced its water filtration enhancement device prototype is in final stage testing to improve dialysis efficiency for those affected by renal failure.
Fluid Energy Conversion (FEC) is a global entity whose patented and proprietary technologies harness sound energy in unique ways to destroy bacteria and viruses, improve water processing, and enhance chemical reactions. Vystar has acquired 100% of assets of Fluid Energy Conversion Inc., primarily consisting of its patent on the Hughes Reactor.
Hawkins, Inc. Announces Milestone for its WaterSurplus NanoStack™ Membranes
Hawkins, Inc., a leading water treatment and specialty ingredients company, announced the successful completion of a multi-year pilot test featuring WaterSurplus’ patented NanoStack™ coated membranes at the Orange County Water District’s (OCWD) Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). WaterSurplus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawkins, Inc. and is located in Loves Park, IL.
Based on the successful pilot, OCWD will install 1,050 NanoStack™ coated membranes at GWRS, the world’s largest advanced water purification system for potable water reuse. This quantity represents one full reverse osmosis train, treating approximately 5 million gallons of water per day for indirect potable reuse. Pilot testing data demonstrated that NanoStack™ technology significantly improved fouling resistance, cutting clean-in-place requirements by more than half, and reducing RO energy consumption by more than 15%. Given that energy is one of the largest operating costs for advanced water treatment facilities, these savings are estimated to enable a payback period of less than two years, according to WaterSurplus’ Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Dileep Agnihotri.
NanoStack™ is an NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-certified hydrophilic membrane surface modification that is applied to finished RO membrane elements. This advanced coating enhances membrane durability and performance, helping customers across industries achieve more reliable long‑term operation with lower lifecycle costs.
Donaldson Elects Richard Lewis to Succeed Tod Carpenter as President and CEO
Donaldson Company, Inc., a global leader in technology-led filtration products and solutions, announced that the Company’s board of directors has elected chief operating officer Richard Lewis as president and chief executive officer, effective March 2, 2026. Lewis will succeed Tod Carpenter, who will transition to executive chairman after a career spanning 30 years at the Company, including the past 11 years as president and chief executive officer. Lewis will also join the Company’s Board.
“I am excited about the opportunities in front of us. We have a strong leadership team, a clear strategy, and a culture deeply committed to our customers and operational excellence. I look forward to building on the momentum established under Tod’s leadership and continuing to deliver value for our employees, customers and shareholders,” said Richard Lewis.
Lewis joined Donaldson in 2002 and became chief operating officer in August 2025. He has held a broad range of senior leadership roles across the Company, including overseeing global operations as senior vice president and serving as president of the Mobile Solutions and Life Sciences businesses.
