Cathelco Acquires French Firm to Become Leader in Water Treatment Systems
Cathelco in Chesterfield, the world-leading manufacturer of equipment for ships, has acquired Hydro-Electrique Marine (HEM), the French specialists in desalinators and water treatment systems.
The acquisition will make Cathelco one of the largest producers of ship-board water treatment systems in Europe and the premier supplier to the super yacht industry.
Justin Salisbury, Managing Director of Cathelco Ltd said:-
“The new venture will operate under the name of Cathelco HEM emphasising the strength of two well-known brand names and creating a stronger presence in the water treatment market.”
Cathelco already has experience of the desalinator market having purchased Seafresh Desalinators in 2010, a small company serving the UK market which it transformed into an international exporter of watermakers.
Manufacture of the HEM equipment will continue at the company’s premises near Antibes in the south of France. This will also provide Cathelco with a technical support and stockholding hub in the Mediterranean.
Currently, Cathelco Seafresh desalinators have a maximum output of 35 tonnes per day, whereas the HEM range have outputs of up to 150 tonnes making them suitable for use on large commercial vessels and naval craft.
Justin Salisbury explains:-
“The HEM range greatly increases the scope for desalinator sales and provides a good fit with our existing range.
“It will enable us to provide a complete equipment package for commercial vessels and super yachts which we can support through our combined network of agent/installers.”
Cathelco is now in a position where it can provide treatment systems for virtually all types of seawater used on vessels.
Founded in 1956, Cathelco has grown to be one of the UK’s most dynamic manufacturers of marine equipment through product innovation and diversification and its seawater pipework anti-fouling systems have now been fitted to more than 40,000 vessels around the world.
The company also produces ICCP hull corrosion protection systems for ships and offshore platform applications.
