Governor Patrick Joins Massachusetts’ Desalitech And International Water Innovation Leader Veolia To Celebrate Partnership
Mexico City, Mexico – Thursday, March 20, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today joined representatives from Massachusetts-based Desalitech Inc. and international water innovation leader Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, who have signed an agreement to bring advanced, cost-effective water solutions to Mexico and countries worldwide.
«Congratulations to Desalitech and Veoila for collaborating to bring innovative solutions to global challenges,» said Governor Patrick. «Because we are fostering our global economy, the doors of Massachusetts are opening up to the world and we are forging long lasting private partnerships.»
The meeting followed a forum on clean energy innovation between Massachusetts and Mexican government and business leaders, held during Governor Patrick’s Massachusetts – Mexico Innovation Partnership Mission. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to join the commercial, technical, and execution strengths of Veolia, with the leadership in water technologies, such as high-efficiency reverse osmosis water treatment and wastewater reuse, of Boston-based Desalitech. The partnership aims to lower the amount of water lost and energy needed to treat water and wastewater.
Desalitech, previously based in Israel, relocated to Massachusetts last year, following Governor Patrick’s trade mission to Israel in 2011. The company focuses on reverse osmosis processes for industrial and agricultural water and wastewater treatment, greatly reducing negative ecological impacts while improving the productive and responsible use of natural resources. Desalitech was named in the 2013 Global Cleantech 100 as a top company in clean technology.
Massachusetts is home to nearly 300 water industry companies, organizations, and institutions from a variety of sectors, including research and education; innovation and entrepreneurship; and engineering.
“This partnership is exciting news, not just for Desalitech, but for Massachusetts as a whole,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “The growing water innovation cluster in the Commonwealth is bringing new products and services to the marketplace that will help address water challenges across the world.”
“By exporting Massachusetts-made innovative technologies to solve global energy and water challenges, Massachusetts’ innovation economy will continue to thrive. Global partnerships like this one are key to capitalizing on our strengths in clean technology development,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton.
“Here at Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, it is of utmost importance to recognize our customers’ needs and provide the tools to help them solve problems. We are pleased to incorporate Desalitech’s technologies, which complement Veolia’s existing range of 350 state-of-the-art technologies,” said Luis Maturana CEO, Latin America, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies. “We pride ourselves on offering our clients top of the line, cutting edge solutions and we will continue to do so”.
“Industry consumes water and generates wastewater as part of the production of almost every product we use daily: food, clothing, cosmetics, paper, electronics, and of course, electricity itself. In fact, the power industry has the highest water consumption of all industries,” said Nadav Efraty, CEO of Desalitech. “Desalitech systems make it possible to reduce energy consumption and make the best use of all available water resources in a reliable, cost effectiveness and environmentally friendly manner.”
The Patrick Administration has spent the last several months working with water industry leaders to organize the recently-launched New England Water Innovation Network (NEWIN), which will build upon the successes the Commonwealth and companies have had in creating more energy efficient and cost-effective water supply and wastewater treatment solutions to drive demand for Massachusetts-made products. From March 19 – 22, 2014, Governor Deval Patrick is leading the Massachusetts – Mexico Innovation Partnership Mission bringing together leaders in government and business to focus on strengthening existing relationships and building new ones with the emerging innovation economy of Mexico City.
Massachusetts and Mexico share a strong, established relationship that, with the proper cultivation, has the potential to develop significantly. In 2013, Mexico was Massachusetts’ third ranked import partner, with Massachusetts importing approximately $3.37 billion worth of goods and services. Mexico was Massachusetts’ third ranked export partner, with Massachusetts exporting approximately $1.86 billion worth of goods and services. Similar to the Patrick Administration, the Pena Nieto Administration has pursued a growth strategy that invests in education, innovation, and infrastructure.