As part of its strategy to strengthen the company`s Thermotechnology division and gain better access to the rapidly growing U.S. market for electric geothermal heat pumps, Bosch has acquired FHP Manufacturing Company, Fort Lauderdale, USA. In this establishing market, FHP is one of the leading U.S. manufacturers of these systems in the renewable energy field. FHP will be integrated into the Bosch Thermotechnology division led by BBT Thermotechnik GmbH, which also holds a strong position in the European market for electric heat pumps.
Following the acquisition of the Swedish IVT Industrier AB in January 2005, FHP is Bosch's second acquisition in the field of electric heat pumps. Established in 1969 and employing a workforce of roughly 220, FHP Manufacturing Company generated sales of about 51 million U.S. dollars (41 million euros) in the fiscal year 2005/2006. The company is one of the leading American manufacturers of electric water-source heat pumps for the heating and air-conditioning of residential buildings and commercial premises. The product range includes systems with an output of up to 220 kilowatts. There is clear growth potential for water-source heat pumps in the U.S. Electric geothermal heat pumps for residential buildings in particular are expected to see double digit growth in the next few years. This favorable development will primarily be driven by the water-source heat pumps' high efficiency and cost-saving potential when compared to the heating and air-conditioning systems traditionally used in the U.S.
"With the acquisition of FHP, our growth trajectory in the promising renewable-energy segment is now strengthened in the attractive U.S. market. Because of their energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technology, electric geothermal heat pumps have great potential worldwide," said Dr.-Ing. Joachim Berner, president of the Thermotechnology division.
