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Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI) and Aqua-Chem open expanded facility in Knoxville, Tennessee: a major step in scaling up NSI in North America

On July 22, 2025, Aqua-Chem, part of Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI), officially opened its newly expanded office facility. The ribbon cutting marks a major milestone in NSI’s strategy to scale up its North American operations and further strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable water solutions.

Published on 22.07.2025

The 25,000 m² facility now serves as the North American platform and global center of excellence for water purification within NSI. The expansion enables Aqua-Chem to support growing demand across key markets such as pharmaceuticals, beverage, energy, and the U.S. military, while also acting as a regional hub for collaboration and innovation across the broader NSI and Saur Group network.

Built for growth

The new facility is an extension of Aqua-Chem’s current manufacturing facility, providing office space for  70 of the 240  people that work for Aqua-Chem.   The new facility has the  capacity to host up to 200 employees, the new site is purpose-built to support NSI’s ambitious growth plans in North America. Key departments such as Engineering, Procurement, Accounting, HR, and Aftermarket Sales now operate from the Knoxville office, creating a centralized hub for operational efficiency and customer service.

A base for scaling up across the Americas

In addition to Aqua-Chem’s core activities, the facility will increasingly support the growth of other NSI technology companies. The central location, combined with a strong local talent pool and strategic partnerships with educational institutions, positions NSI in the Americas for long-term success.

A moment of global and local celebration

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from Aqua-Chem, NSI, Saur, and Natural Systems Utilities, with special guests including Patrick Blethon (CEO of Saur Group) and Menno M. Holterman (CEO of NSI). Local stakeholders such as the Knoxville Chamber and Blount Partnership were alsoin attendance, highlighting the significance of the expansion for the regional economy and clean tech industry.

As part of the opening, NSI reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable water innovation, job creation, and talent development across North America.