Pioneering climate control
An innovative engineer, Munters applied for over 1,000 patents, using dehumidification and evaporative cooling to control temperature, humidity and airborne contaminants. His creativity and dedication inspire us to this day. As a global leader in climate control solutions, Munters operates in more than 30 countries with a workforce of close to 5,000 people.
From 1922 to present
Together with Baltzar von Platen and John Tandberg, Munters invented the gas absorption refrigerator for domestic use. His intention was to create an easy-to-use refrigerator without any moving parts. The technique removed thermal energy, which was driven by a heat source such as propane, electricity, or kerosene.
The team rented a room and worked into the night. They slept in the mornings and missed classes at the Royal Institute of Technology where they were students. It took them about a year to create the first prototype that worked with self-circulation. The prototype still had one moving part, a ball valve, and was supposedly big and clumsy.
Eventually, the design was improved and their cooling solution was a world sensation. Albert Einstein once mentioned how astonished he was by their ingenious solution.
The 2020s - Increased demand for climate control solutions
2024
Munters signs an agreement to acquire Airprotech srl, a prominent Italian manufacturer of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) abatement systems.
Munters expands its data center cooling offering by acquiring Geoclima, bringing onboard innovative high-efficiency chillers and making it possible to deliver end-to-end heat rejection for chilled water infrastructure.
Munters aquires Dutch Hotraco and a majority share in US-based Automated Environments (AEI) as part of its strategy to serve food producers with an extensive portfolio of digital solutions.
2023
The growth journey continues, and market positions are significantly strengthened across all business areas through both organic growth and multiple acquisitions. A strategic review of Equipment within FoodTech is initiated. The Indian company Zeco is acquired to strengthen Munters’ position in Asia.
2022
To meet the growth in the lithium battery market, Munters opens a new production facility in Hodonin in the Czech Republic.
A new business area, Data Center Technologies, is formed.
Munters acquires EDPAC, an Ireland-based manufacturer of data center cooling equipment and air handling systems and opens a new factory for the production of advanced and energy-efficient cooling equipment in Virginia, USA.
Munters expands its digital solutions within FoodTech by acquiring a majority share of InoBram, a Brazilian manufacturer of climate controllers for farms and food producers.
2020
The strategic plan is updated, and two business areas are established: AirTech and FoodTech.
2019 - New President and CEO
2019
Klas Forsström takes over as President and CEO.
To capture Munters full potential, a three-step plan is launched in February 2019 with a focus on stability, profitability and growth.
2018
Several new products are launched with a focus on optimizing the climate while reducing energy consumption, such as DryCool® Focus and SonarEcho.
2017
Munters acquires a majority stake in the software company MTech Systems based in Atlanta, USA.
Munters is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, with FAM as the main investor.
Carl Munters receives the ASHRAE Pioneers of Industry Award for his groundbreaking inventions.
2016
Munters completes its acquisition of Rotem, specializes in computerized control and management systems for agricultural applications and is based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Munters receives its biggest data center order in history, more than three times the size of its previous largest order.
Munters Oasis DCiE Data Center Cooler is awarded "Advanced Energy-conservation Product 2016” with its innovativeness and energy-saving performance by China Electronic Energy-saving Technology Association (CEESTA).
The 2010s - Focus on the core business
2015
Munters celebrates 60 years of innovations and acquires HB Group.
In November 2015, Munters also acquires Reventa, a company specializing in climate control systems for livestock buildings.
2013
Munters completes the purchase of ProFlute AB, along with its subsidiary SAT, which operates in the Chinese domestic market. ProFlute is well established as a leading supplier of desiccant rotors to the global OEM market, with good quality products and a respected brand name.
2011
Munters acquires the majority share in the Israeli company Rotem, which specialized in control and management systems for agricultural and horticultural applications. Munters and the Chinese company Keruilai sign an agreement on a joint venture.
2010
Munters focuses on the core business and divests the MCS division.
Nordic Capital Fund VII purchases Munters and on December 23 the company is de-listed from the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
The 2000s - Global acquisitions
Further investment in sales and production in Asia. Several acquisitions make Munters a world leader in climate systems for livestock farming and greenhouse cultivation.
2008
Munters acquires a Turkish agriculture business distributor, Form, now called Munters-Form.
Munters also acquires Toussaint Nyssenne to accelerate growth in energy-efficient air treatment.
2007
The acquisition of US-based Des Champs Technologies complements the dehumidification product range for commercial buildings.
Munters acquires Danish Turbovent Agro A/S and Turbovent Environment A/S. Ventilation companies within the agriculture business.
2006
Acquisition of spot heater manufacturer SIAL broadens the offering to the HVAC and AgHort customer segments within the HumiCool division. It follows the strategy of becoming a full climate system provider to agricultural customers.
2005
A new organizational structure with global divisions is introduced.
2001
Munters acquires Aerotech, a leading US supplier for the Aghort industry.
2000
Munters establishes sales operations in Thailand and Korea and opens a CELdek® plant in Thailand.
The 1990s - An international group
In the 1990s, Munters expands and becomes an international group with its organization in over 25 countries and manufacturing in over 14 countries. The company positions itself as “The Humidity Expert.” Environmental concerns gain iimportance, laying the foundation for new products.
1999
Munters finalizes its largest acquisition ever of the Italian company Euroemme. Munters begins offering complete cooling systems for the rapidly expanding poultry industry.
1997
Munters is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
1992
A new plant is built in San Antonio, USA, to concentrate on dehumidification applications, e.g., for supermarkets and ice rinks.
The 1980s - New plant in Tobo
A more modern Munters emerges with a network of distribution agents. Expansion
continues into several new countries.
1989
A new plant opens in Tobo, Sweden, which enables the cost-effective production of new rotors with unique characteristics for various applications.
1988
Munters acquires a unique Swedish air purification technology. The ZEOL products are further developed with Munters rotor technology and help to improve the environment by reducing emissions of solvents from industrial processes.
1987
Munters begins doing business in Japan.
The 1970s - Oil crisis spawns new opportunities
Munters continues to expand into new markets through subsidiaries and licensees and the establishment of an international network of agents. However, the company's strategy changes in the late 1970s when some of the patents begin to expire. The range of products and applications is gradually expanded and distribution is expanded to large parts of Europe, North America and Japan, primarily through licensing agreements with third parties.
1976
A breakthrough order is shipped to Agfa for dehumidifiers for film production. The technology becomes critical to the manufacturing of photographic film.
In 1974
Munters is acquired by Incentive AB.
A breakthrough order for dehumidifiers in film production is delivered to Agfa, with the technology becoming essential for all film manufacturers.
1973
The oil crisis brings sudden and severe demands for energy savings.
The company is facing a completely new market potential.
The 1960s-Establishment in the US
Munters expands in Sweden and the US. Offices and production facilities are
opened in Florida, Texas, and Massachusetts.
1964
The M100 is launched, the best-selling dehumidifier of all time.
The 1950s - How it started
Munters is founded in 1955 by inventor and entrepreneur Carl Munters, along with Marcus Wallenberg and others. The company develops modern air conditioning systems based on evaporative cooling, dehumidification, and heat recovery.
1958
A breakthrough for dehumidifiers takes place when the Swedish Armed Forces decide to decentralize their mobilization warehouses and order 200 dehumidifiers. Construction of warehouses continues over the years, and defense organizations worldwide start to use dehumidifiers on a large scale.
1955
Carl Munters & Co. is formed.