Singapore acquisition to lead Hitachi RO desalination push

The Japanese Hitachi Group is to strengthen the structure of its reverse-osmosis (RO) system manufacture with the objective of expanding its seawater desalination and reclaimed-water system business.

Effective 1 October 2010, the Singapore company Aqua-Tech Engineering & Supplies Pte, which Hitachi Plant Technologies acquired in January 2009, will change its name to Hitachi Aqua-Tech Engineering Pte. Ltd.

Aqua-Tech Engineering & Supplies provides RO systems with high cost performance, from the design, assembly, and shipment of RO systems to after-sales services. With the name change to Hitachi, the company says it will be able to leverage the Hitachi brand while strengthening its ability to win customer orders and improving its operations as a member of the Hitachi Group

By 2011, Hitachi Aqua-Tech will more than double its personnel levels as it augments its global sales force in Asia, the Middle East, and other regions. Moreover, the company will expand its product line-up, taking bold steps to add larger RO systems in addition to the small- and medium-sized RO systems it already provides.

The company aims to generate sales of 5 billion yen (US$ 59 million) in 2015.