Ahrens boosts tanks and windmills division through acquisition

Acquisitive engineering and construction group Ahrens has snapped up a portfolio of rural brands as part of a deal struck with global infrastructure group Pentair.

Ahrens Group managing director Stefan Ahrens.

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Acquisitive engineering and construction group Ahrens has snapped up a portfolio of rural brands as part of a deal struck with global infrastructure group Pentair.

Ahrens will take over Pentair’s Australian tanks and windmills divisions, including Southern Cross Tanks and Windmills, Encon Modular Tanks and Australian Panel Tanks.

The Southern Cross brand was created in 1903 by Toowoomba’s Griffith Bros. & Co, which was the first Australian company to produce windmills.

Ahrens managing director Stefan Ahrens said Southern Cross became an iconic agriculture brand in Australia, and was proud to return it to local hands.

“Southern Cross has a rich cultural significance in Australian history and we are looking forward to taking this brand to another level, supported by the strengths of our existing Pioneer Water Tanks business which has operations in Australia and the US,” he said.

“Importantly, this deal gives Ahrens’ tank business manufacturing bases on both the east and west coast, which will increase total production capacity and allow improved servicing of Australian and international customers.

“Australian Panel Tanks have a great range of fire tanks so this will expand our current water tank range to include both round and rectangular fire tanks, and in turn increase our capabilities in the commercial water tanks business.”

Mr Ahrens said the company’s tank business was well-positioned for “significant growth” over the next few years.

“We plan to release the fire tanks to the US market through our base in San Marcos, Texas,” he said.

“It also gives Ahrens the opportunity to grow our tank maintenance capabilities to customers across Australia.”

The deal follows a busy few months for Ahrens, which boosted its workforce to close 900 in August through the acquisition of third generation family business Cowell Electric.

In April, the company took its first step towards global expansion with the acquisition of US distribution and installation business Acer Water Tanks.

Mr Ahrens said the company’s plan was to become Australia’s largest provider of rural infrastructure, including silos, sheds and water tanks.