Badger Meter, Inc., has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hydrometer GmbH of Ansbach, Germany. The new arrangement, which expands an existing relationship between the two companies, is expected to lead to specific contractual agreements for products and technologies for use in the North American submetering and water utility market. Submetering is the metering of individual apartments within a building.
"Hydrometer is one of the leading European manufacturers of metering technologies for water utilities and for residential submetering. The company will be a strong partner as we pursue our strategies to expand our product line by offering a variety of products and communication technologies for the North American utility water and submetering market," said Richard A. Meeusen, president of Badger Meter.
Meeusen said the alliance also includes the licensing of Hydrometer to sell specific Badger Meter products in Europe. This activity will begin with an agreement for Hydrometer and its French subsidiary, Sappel, to sell Badger Meter's Magnetoflow electromagnetic flowmeters for utility applications.
"We are excited about our business opportunities in conjunction with Badger Meter," said Johannes Sappa, managing director of Hydrometer. "Badger Meter is recognized as one of the leading producers of meters and meter reading technologies in the United States. The products that we are developing for the utility water and submetering markets will assist Badger Meter in more fully addressing opportunities in North America.
"In cooperation with Badger Meter, we anticipate a product launch of newly designed water meters for the residential submetering market within the next several months. Later this year, these products will be complemented by a unique radio frequency automatic meter reading system," Sappa added.
"This is a win-win arrangement for both Badger Meter and Hydrometer. Our cooperation in the transfer of technology or in product development will enable both companies to expand their product lines and market opportunities," Meeusen said.
Source: Badger Meter, Inc.