Franklin Electric announces Indian acquisitions

Franklin Electric has recently completed two acquisitions in India.

The company has acquired 70 percent of the outstanding stock of Pluga Pumps and Motors, based in a newly constructed facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Pluga designs, manufactures, and distributes groundwater motor and pumping equipment through eleven branch offices throughout India. Last financial year, Pluga reported revenue of around US $13 million.

Franklin Electric has agreed to purchase the remaining 30 percent share in 2017.

Additionally, Franklin Fueling Systems Inc. has acquired 65 percent of Wadcorpp India Private, based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Wadcorpp operates as a distributor of fueling equipment throughout India from a newly constructed facility based in Pune that is also capable of manufacturing certain Franklin Fueling System products. Last financial year, Wadcorpp’s revenues were approximately US $1M.

Franklin Fueling Systems will purchase the remaining 35 percent share as early as 2017.

Gregg Sengstack, Franklin Electric Chief Executive Officer, said:

“India is a key developing region market for both our Water and Fueling Systems businesses.

“In Fueling Systems, we are an established leading importer of pressure pumping, leak detection and vapor recovery systems to the major Indian oil companies, both public and private. Having a JV in the country, with a partner that has a long and successful track record in the manufacture of fueling equipment and tank trucks, will allow us to leverage our success and expand our role in the manufacture and distribution of vapor recovery equipment as we see evidence that, over the next several years, there will be a national focus on vapor recovery to reduce air pollution and protect the health of fueling station attendants.

“In Water Systems, our penetration of the Indian market has been limited to high-end, technologically advanced, constant pressure systems, mostly in urban locations. Pluga, a company recognized for quality, particularly in bore-hole pumping, has distribution reach in rural markets, with a solid position in residential and agricultural water equipment sales. Having recently moved into a new factory, Pluga provides in country manufacturing capability. Franklin Electric will be able to supply them the resources to accelerate new product development, improve efficiencies and expand marketing, sales and distribution beyond their existing network of branch offices across the country. Further, we see additional opportunities with the Pluga management team to develop solar powered pumping systems specifically designed to address the needs of the Indian market.

“Again, both of these transactions will provide Franklin with an in-country presence off which we can grow by introducing other Franklin products and building out new distribution capabilities in both the water and fueling markets these companies serve.”

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