Filtermist International completes Kerstar Ltd purchase

Telford-based air extraction and filtration specialist Filtermist International Ltd has completed a deal to acquire industrial vacuum cleaner manufacturer Kerstar Ltd.

Established in 1960, Kerstar produces a range of cleaners, including ATEX-accredited machines for use in explosion risk environments, from its facility in Northampton, exporting to more than 19 countries worldwide through a network of approved distributors.

UK customers consist of resellers and end-users involved in food production, engineering, aerospace, power generation, local authorities and cleaning. It also provides a comprehensive aftersales service throughout the country, which has resulted in a loyal client base – an approach that perfectly aligns with Filtermist’s UK operation.

“The opportunity to add Kerstar to our portfolio offered a very interesting proposition for us,” comments Filtermist International CEO James Stansfield.

“Its products are used by a number of our existing customers in a range of industrial sectors so are a perfect addition to our offer. The firm also has a presence in some markets that we’re not currently active in, so offer a good opportunity to cross-sell expertise and services from our other business units.

“Kerstar already has established routes to global markets and we will be expanding this side of the business using our own channels and exporting experience.”

This is the third acquisition Filtermist has completed so far this year, previously acquiring the DCS Group of companies in January and recently announcing a deal to purchase the assets of Carter Environmental Engineers’ Air Services Division.

“Acquisitions play a key role in our wider group strategic growth plans,” continues James Stansfield. “This strategy is being rolled out worldwide. Filtermist is part of Absolent Group which recently announced two acquisitions of its own: Montreal-based fume extraction specialist Diversitech Inc and Jeven Global OY, a market leader in commercial kitchen ventilation based in Finland.

“Absolent Group has identified six air filtration ‘platforms’, which offer significant potential for growth and all acquisitions are designed to support our strategic objectives.”

Kerstar’s previous owners, Andrey and Tom Starcevic, will be on call for a period after the acquisition to assist with the handover and all other employees will be retained in their existing positions.

Tom Starcevic adds: “Kerstar has been a family firm for almost 60 years and, in that time, the business has grown significantly and achieved a huge amount. We are very pleased to have found a buyer that is willing to invest in the firm to ensure it continues to grow and we wish Filtermist every success in the future.”

For more about Kerstar, visit www.kerstar.co.uk

Established in Shropshire in 1969, Filtermist’s ethos is to protect people by ensuring cleaner, safer, more productive workshops. The company, part of the Swedish Absolent Group, offers three main services: air extraction and filtration for all types of airborne contaminants, process fluid filtration and coolant control.

Filtermist is best known for manufacturing a range of compact, quiet and efficient oil mist filters which are trusted by world leading manufacturers in more than 60 countries.

In the UK, as well as effectively removing oil mist from the air in industrial workshops, Filtermist also provides a comprehensive service for smoke, dust and fume removal and is the UK distributor for sister company Absolent AB.

Absolent Group also includes Absolent AB, Avani Environmental International Inc., Bristol T&G International GmbH, Diversitech Inc., Dustcheck Ltd, Multi-Fan Systems Ltd, DCS Limited, Gallito Ltd, Cades Ltd, SMK AB and Ecogate Ltd in its portfolio. Services offered include oil mist, smoke and fume extraction, dust control, VOC abatement, production waste extraction and industrial ventilation.

Filtermist’s turnkey offering includes consultation, specification, design, equipment supply, installation, commissioning and an extensive aftersales service for standalone and centralised extraction systems. Dedicated teams of qualified engineers provide routine and reactive maintenance, LEV testing and air monitoring throughout the UK. Filtermist is accredited by SafeContractor for its high levels of health and safety.

Filtermist International Ltd
Tel: 01952 290500
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www.filtermist.com