Electricity, water and fuel systems and technologies distributor and manufacturer Franklin Electric agreed to acquire Barnes de Colombia and acquired Australian-based PumpEng.

Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Franklin Electric produces and markets systems and components for the movement of water and energy, serving customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agriculture, industrial, municipal and fueling applications.

Barnes de Colombia

Cundinamarca, Colombia-based Barnes de Colombia is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial and commercial pumps, also operating under the WDM brand in select countries, including the U.S. The company runs two manufacturing facilities and more than eight stocking locations in Colombia, along with assembly facilities in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, and local warehouses in Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Chile.

Franklin Electric officials said the acquisition strengthens its product portfolio and market presence in key Latin American regions, with Barnes de Colombia’s strong position in Colombia and operations across other Latin American countries poised to accelerate the company’s regional growth.

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“This acquisition not only strengthens our presence in the high-growth Latin American markets but also enhances our ability to serve our customers with an expanded portfolio of innovative and high-quality products,” Franklin Electric CEO Joe Ruzynski said in a Feb. 14 news release. “Barnes’ approximately 400 team members and manufacturing and foundry capabilities will enhance our operating footprint materially and we are excited for these new team members and operations to contribute meaningfully to our growth and success. Together, we will continue to rely on our Key Factors for Success – quality, availability, service, innovation and cost – to deliver outstanding value to our customers.”

The acquisition is expected to close on or around March 1.

PumpEng Pty Ltd.

Perth, Australia-based PumpENG is an original equipment manufacturer of submersible pumps, serving customers in the mining industry. The company operates in Australia with locations in Kalgoorlie, Townsville and Adelaide, as well as in Twin Falls, ID. PumpENG, valued at $7.97 million, offers a range of dewatering pumps under brands like JetGuard, Guardian and Raptor, with products assembled in Australia, according to the company.

Franklin Electric said the acquisition reinforces its commitment to the mining industry and complements its existing Australian operations under the Pioneer Pump and Minetuff brands.

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“This strategic partnership combines PumpEng’s innovative dewatering approach and strong Australian presence with Franklin Electric’s global resources and technical leadership in water systems,” Global Water Systems President Greg Levine said in a Feb. 20 news release. “The mining regions of Australia are some of the toughest and most demanding in the world. PumpEng has a solid reputation for overcoming mining challenges with pumps that excel in these environments.”