manufacturer of advanced valve technology and process solutions for the brewing, beverage, food, and pharmaceutical industries worldwide, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Founded in Riesbürg, Germany as a supplier to the local dairy industry, Pentair Südmo today is a technology leader with a global presence.“Sixty years is a very special anniversary for our company,” said Heinz-Jürgen Kroner, Pentair Südmo’s Managing Director. “Südmo has a long history in fluid processing, and our continued strong drive for innovation makes me very proud. We are looking forward to celebrating this anniversary with our customers and employees.”
Rich History in Hygienic and Aseptic Valves & Components Founded by Leonhard Schleicher in 1954, Südmo originally produced stainless steel milk fittings in arented 24 m2 room, with two skilled workers and two lathes. Schleicher was convinced that this product would be in demand and success proved him correct – within four months Südmo had 20 employees. Though much has changed at Südmo over the years, the company name, which refers to this first production program “SÜDdeutsche MOlkereiarmaturenfabrik” (South German Dairy Fitting Factory), remains the same.
In 1958, Südmo’s facility at the current headquarters in Riesbürg was constructed. This was when Südmo began to diversify its product portfolio and built up a strong competence in hygienic and aseptic valves and components. Major milestones include the development of Südmo’s first quick-lift and ball valves in the 1950’s, the launch of the first pneumatic actuators in the 1960’s, mix proof /double seat valve technology in the 1970’s, and the aseptic valve program in the 1980’s.
A decade of standardization and expansion abroad follows in the 1990’s. During this time, the addition of the SVP Single Seat and DSV Double Seat Valve ranges opened up new business opportunities for Südmo around the world. In 1994, Südmo’s subsidiary in the U.S., Südmo North America, began operation. Today, North America is one of Südmo’s key markets and Südmo North America, in its 20th year, is the driving force behind this success.
Beyond Valves – Engineering Solutions for Worldwide Projects However, Südmo is more than just valves. Parallel to the developments in valves and components, Südmo gained significant know-how in project management and design. What started in the 1950’s
with the first assembly jobs for customer projects, developed into a strong expertise in engineering solutions for the worldwide liquid processing industries.
Building on the Past Success to Ensure an Even Stronger Future Today, Pentair Südmo offers an unparalleled range of hygienic and aseptic valves and components, valve manifolds, compact systems, and complete process solutions for diverse industries. Recent developments at Südmo include the revolutionary P3 sealing material for aseptic valves and the 365it Complete PMO Mix Proof Valve for use in U.S. dairy plants. Pentair Südmo’s engineering solutions are used throughout the world, including several major projects currently being realized in Africa.
Since 2011, Südmo has been part of Pentair, a global water, fluid, thermal management, and equipment protection provider with 2013 revenues of $7.5 billion and more than 30,000 employees.
“My sincere congratulations to Heinz-Jürgen Kroner and his team,” said Olaf Müller, Vice President Pentair Food & Beverage. “Today’s industries demand the highest standards for product and process safety, sanitation, sustainability, and performance. Südmo’s ability to meet these needs will enable the company to further strengthen its presence in the world’s fast growing regions, as well as in established markets like Europe and North America.”
