Pentair Südmo celebrates 60th anniversary

Pentair Südmo, a leading 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.

Founded by Leonhard Schleicher in 1954, Südmo originally produced stainless steel milk fittings in a rented 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. 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.

Since 2011, Südmo has been part of Pentair, a global water, fluid, thermal management, and equipment protection provider with 2013 revenues of USD 7.5 billion and more than 30,000 employees.