Alfa Laval Acquires U.S. Air-Cooled Heat Exchanger Provider

Swedish industrial group Alfa Laval announced it has acquired Air Cooled Exchangers, LLC (ACE), a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in custom-engineered air-cooled heat exchangers. The acquisition, completed on December 31, 2012, expands Alfa Laval's product offerings, particularly for the North American natural gas sector.

ACE's heat exchangers are used to cool air, natural gas, oil, and water. The company was projected to generate approximately SEK 350 million in sales for 2012, with profitability reported to be above the Alfa Laval Group's average. Alfa Laval intends to integrate ACE into its Process Technology division, within the Energy & Environment segment.

"The acquisition of ACE brings a new product range into our heat transfer offering," stated Lars Renström, President and CEO of the Alfa Laval Group. He added that the move strengthens Alfa Laval's position, especially as demand for air-cooled heat exchangers accelerates in the natural gas industry.

Founded in 1964, ACE operates with 230 employees at its facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, United States.