Kubota Goes Vertical With Energy Recovery

11 Feb 2014
Available with corporate subscription

In January 2014 Kubota Corporation recommitted its plans to deploy an Energy Recovery Device (ERD) for the desalination market. Complementing its existing pumps and water treatment capabilities, the ERD is an isobaric technology design similar to those provided by Energy Recovery Inc. and Flowserve. Kubota expects commercial release in first half 2014.

Osaka, Japan-based Kubota is a diversified industrial equipment supplier, globally. Some 30% of Kubota’s US$17 billion revenues stem from its Water & Environment Group, which provides a mix of pipes, pumps, and membranes for water systems, sewage facilities, and irrigation systems.

In September 2012, Kubota acquired water treatment engineering firm Toda Kogya Corp. to strengthen its water treatment capabilities in Asian markets.

Bluefield Takeaways

  • Kubota’s expanding water footprint highlights evolving OEM strategies to compete in water
  • Kubota targets crowded, entrenched market
  • Large-scale desalination slowdown undermines near-term ambitions