Danfoss has entered into an agreement to take over the sales, marketing and technical support functions from DMS Wasser-Wärmetechnik GmbH, which is based in Hamburg, Germany. DMS has 20 years’ experience in developing, producing and marketing anti-legionnaire solutions for domestic hot water with integrated thermal disinfection of the circulating water. The company employs 27 people with net sales of EUR 10 million in 2006. These were mainly generated in the German market, with minor exports to Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. DMS’ current production facilities in Wismar, Germany, and Tatabanja in Hungary, are not covered by the agreement, but will remain suppliers to the business.
"With this agreement, we will strengthen our already very successful business within complete solutions for the domestic hot water market. Our ambition is to be a clear leader within this field and it is therefore vital for us to be at the forefront – where the market is developing, such as in anti-legionnaire solutions,” says Niels B. Christiansen, Danfoss’ Vice CEO.
Increased focus on health
DMS will be integrated into the Danfoss District Heating business unit. Under the name Legiokill™ DMS markets a series of anti-legionnaire solutions for domestic hot water. The solutions are mainly sold for use in large residential buildings, institutions, and hospitals. Danfoss already markets a similar product range under the name of Thermoclean®, and the German-speaking countries in particular are currently showing an increasing interest.
"Health is an increased focus area when it comes to systems for indoor climate control and hot water. The spread of Legionnaire bacteria is a major issue and the bacteria are a comparatively serious threat to health. Since the solutions for fighting the bacteria are rather new, we see a large potential for development in this business area,” says Troels H. Petersen, Senior Vice President in Danfoss District Heating.
According to the German Robert Koch Institute, around 30.000 Germans are infected by Legionnaire’s bacteria each year. The bacteria are transmitted to human beings through the skin via atomised water in e.g. bathrooms or whirlpools. For prevention of the bacterium, water must be heated to a minimum of 65 degrees Celsius for more than six minutes and afterwards cooled to normal circulation temperature.
For further information:
Henning Hildebrandt, Senior Director, Danfoss FWT, +49 174 9908401
Troels H. Petersen, Senior Vice President, Danfoss District Heating, +45 7488 2142
