Acquisition Gives Company an East Coast Base to Expand Pressure Vessel Manufacturing, Refurbishment, and Services Capabilities

REDDING, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AqueoUS Vets® (the “Company”), a vertically integrated solutions provider of water treatment and delivery systems, today announced the strategic acquisition of Dixie Tank Company (“Dixie Tank”), a manufacturer of carbon and stainless-steel tanks, pressure vessels, water heaters, filters, and custom fabrications for the water, water treatment, hot water, and industrial markets. The acquisition gives AqueoUS Vets an East Coast base of operations to serve a wider variety of customers across the U.S. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1943 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Dixie Tank is one of the foremost pressure vessel and equipment fabricators in the Southeast providing services to deliver quality and customer satisfaction. Dixie Tank’s Jacksonville facility covers six acres, with approximately 78,000 square feet of manufacturing area.

“Our vision for AqueoUS Vets is to be a national brand, a leader of treatment solutions that address the country’s most urgent drinking water contaminants, including PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, arsenic, 1,2,3-TCP, VOCs, TOC and TPH. This transaction gives us a base to better serve the eastern half of the U.S.,” said Rob Craw, CEO of AqueoUS Vets. “With the acquisition of Dixie Tank, we will continue to grow and address the increasing demand for compliant water treatment across the country by mitigating the environmental impact of modern industrialization and promoting healthy water systems.”

“We share AqueoUS Vets’s commitment to addressing critically important water supplies and removing harmful contaminants in our nation’s water system. We look forward to joining with AqueoUS Vets to innovate in new technologies to improve product quality and deliver products faster to market while remaining focused on providing our customers with the same high-quality, on-time service that they have come to expect from Dixie Tank,” said Chris Eidson, President of Dixie Tank, [who along with the rest of the leadership team from Dixie Tank will be joining AqueoUS Vets.]

In January 2022, AqueoUS Vets received a growth investment from Bain Capital Double Impact​, the impact investment strategy of Bain Capital, to enable the Company to expand its highly efficient and effective water treatment systems nationally while reducing the quantity of contaminants that are prevalent in the U.S. water system.

About AqueoUS Vets

AqueoUS Vets ® is a leading, vertically integrated manufacturer of treatment systems used to address emerging contaminants in groundwater such as PFAS, 1,2,3-TCP, TOC, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fuels, chrome 6, and arsenic, among others. AV's "Concept to Commission" approach supports owners, engineers, and the contractor community. AV's capabilities are enhanced by advanced designs which incorporate best corrosion management practices, optimal hydraulic performance and media utilization, and long-term operational reliability. AV's integrated approach delivers the entire treatment system from the influent to effluent flanges on the treatment pad which creates more value for clients and the end user.

About Dixie Tank Company

Since 1943, Dixie Tank Company has manufactured carbon and stainless steel tanks, ASME Code pressure vessels, water heaters, filters, and custom fabrications for the water, water treatment, hot water, and industrial markets. Our commitment to quality ASME, ABS, UL and API fabrication and on time delivery has helped us become one of the foremost fabricators in the Southeast. Over the years, we have continued to expand our facilities to better serve our growing customer base. Our present manufacturing facility now covers over six acres, with approximately 78,000 square feet of manufacturing area under roof.

AV installed 11 ion exchange systems at country’s largest PFAS treatment facility

REDDING, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2023) – Aqueous Vets® (AV), the leading solutions provider for PFAS treatment in the western United States, was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers Los Angeles (ASCE LA) for its collaboration with Orange County Water District (OCWD) and Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD) to design, manufacture, and install the largest single-site ion exchange (IX) per- and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) treatment facility in the country. The YLWD PFAS treatment facility was awarded the Water Treatment Project of the Year by ASCE LA.
 
In partnership with Tetra Tech and Pacific Hydrotech Corporation, AV worked with OCWD and YLWD to install 11 pairs of PF12-520 LowPro® IX resin systems. These systems were instrumental in bringing all nine of the site’s impacted wells back into service, enabling YLWD to increase its groundwater usage. The plant became operational in December 2021 and can treat up to 25 million gallons of water per day.
 
“PFAS concerns are mounting in concert with a growing body of evidence shedding light on the dangers of PFAS exposure,” said Rob Craw, AV President and CEO. “Luckily, a growing number of utilities like YLWD and OCWD are responding proactively to safeguard water quality for their communities. This project exemplifies what we can accomplish through innovative design, effective technologies, and a robust service partnership from concept through commission.”
 
In recent decades, a group of manmade compounds known as PFAS have come under scrutiny for removal from water supplies due to their adverse effects on human health. While thousands of PFAS compounds, both short- and long-chain, are under examination for future potential regulation, two PFAS substances have already been identified: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
 
While PFOA and PFOS are no longer produced in the United States, these “forever chemicals” are still detected in water supplies throughout the country, including the Orange County Groundwater Basin. In 2020, when OCWD carried out state-ordered testing and detected PFOA and PFOS at amounts exceeding advisory levels in the Basin, it moved swiftly to protect its residents.
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AV, the two water districts, and other project partners were recognized in an award ceremony on Oct. 1, 2022. Prior to the ASCE LA recognition, OCWD, YLWD, AV and project partners were also awarded Outstanding Water Project and Project of the Year by ASCE Orange County.

Water treatment solutions provider responds to urgent call for PFAS remediation
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​REDDING, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2022) – Aqueous Vets® (AV), a leading vertically integrated manufacturer of water treatment systems, today announced that it is expanding its leadership team with a series of hires and promotions at a critical moment in water treatment history. As the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) begins solidifying its advisories on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), this management team will ensure AV is equipped to provide support to utilities around the nation working to protect their community from toxic “forever chemicals.”
 
This leadership expansion comes on the heels of its recently secured growth investment from Bain Capital Double Impact, the impact investment strategy of Bain Capital. The partnership will enable AV to expand its footprint nationally, diversify its offerings, and achieve its mission of reducing contaminants in the US water system.
 
“Recently, the EPA shed light on the true dangers of PFAS exposure, even at levels near zero, and the good news is that municipalities are responding,” said Rob Craw, AV President and CEO. “The addition of experienced and capable leaders to our team coupled with AV’s partnership with Bain Capital Double Impact is paramount and timely in support of our mission to improve our country’s water infrastructure. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish since our inception seven years ago, and I look forward to our continued success.”
 
AV welcomes the following team members into executive leadership positions:

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ABOUT AQUEOUS VETS ®
Aqueous Vets (AV) is a leading vertically integrated manufacturer of treatment systems used to address emerging contaminants in groundwater. AV's "Concept to Commission" approach supports owners, engineers, and the contractor community. AV's capabilities are enhanced by advanced designs which incorporate best corrosion management practices, optimal hydraulic performance and media utilization, and long-term operational reliability. AV's integrated approach delivers the entire treatment system from the influent to effluent flanges on the treatment pad which creates more value for clients and the end user. To learn more, visit AqueousVets.com.

​The AqueoUS Vets team is growing! Last week we welcomed AV Vice President of Sales Andy Sterling, who will lead the cross-country expansion of our Concept to Commission approach. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of a dynamic team of municipal water market veterans that are urgently addressing the PFAS crisis. Our goal is to help water utilities provide safe reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable water to their customers... and our families!"

If Andy’s face looks familiar, that’s because he comes with 16 years of water industry leadership, including technical sales roles at UGSI Solutions, Inc. and GE Water & Process Technologies, Analytical Instruments. Look for Andy at NE American Water Works Association on April 6-7 and CANV AWWA Spring Conference on April 11-14 and stop by to say hello!

We are proud to share that AqueoUS Vets is seeking a proven, disciplined and energetic Chief Operations Officer to help lead our team through our next phase of ambitious growth.

We are looking for an operations leader who has a track record of scaling a high growth manufacturing or industrial services business. An ideal candidate will demonstrate success building and leading multi-disciplinary teams, driving growth with operational efficiency, and serve as a key strategic leader in the organization. Along with our investors at Bain Capital Double Impact, this leader will be critical in achieving our vision of accelerating the removal of PFAS, ‘forever chemicals’ from the U.S. water system.

Learn more here.

Funding will Accelerate Implementation of Treatment Systems to Remove “Forever Chemicals” from the U.S. Water Infrastructure
 
REDDING, Calif. and BOSTON – January 26, 2022 – AqueoUS Vets ® (“AV” or the “Company”), a leading vertically integrated manufacturer of water treatment systems, today announced it secured a growth investment from Bain Capital Double Impact, the impact investment strategy of Bain Capital. The support and resources of the Bain Capital platform will enable AV to expand its highly efficient and effective treatment systems nationally, broaden and diversify the services it offers, and achieve its mission of reducing the quantity of contaminates including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are prevalent in the U.S. water system. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
 
Founded in 2015 and based in Redding California, AV is a premier provider and servicer of water treatment systems that address long-standing and emerging contaminants in the U.S. water infrastructure. The Company offers a turnkey approach to building, installing and servicing custom water treatment systems that leverage advanced design technology and ensure long-term operational reliability. AV currently treats an estimated 168 million gallons per day for local, state, and federal government entities with more than 290 million gallons per day of treatment capacity in production, including the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Orange County Water District, and the City of Anaheim in California, as well as private industrial and commercial customers.
 
“Initiatives to stem the impact of harmful contaminants in our nation’s water system are finally gaining the attention they deserve,” said Robert Craw, CEO of AV, who will continue to lead the business. “We’re encouraged by the support and partnership with Bain Capital Double Impact, who shares our vision of addressing critically important water supplies and removing contaminates that can lead to unfortunate and costly health outcomes.”
 
The recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides funding specifically dedicated to PFAS remediation, which impacts an estimated 99% of Americans, according to The Environmental Working Group. Nearly ~110 million Americans use PFAS- contaminated water every day and more than 700 contaminated sites have been identified nationwide.  
 
“AV is a leading player in the water treatment industry for ‘forever chemicals’,” said Todd Cook, a Managing Director at Bain Capital Double Impact. “A growing number of municipalities across the country are proactively addressing the widespread presence of these contaminates with support from all levels of government. We are incredibly excited to partner with Rob and the team to deploy its suite of water treatment solutions to help address this critical problem.”
 
Bain Capital has deep experience in the services and industrial sectors, having made investments in a wide range of businesses including Consolidated Container, TI Fluid Systems, Diversey, Imperial Dade and HD Supply. AV also continues Bain Capital Double Impact’s mission to scale companies dedicated to sustainability and to mitigating the environmental impact of urban and industrial systems and promoting healthy water systems.
 
Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal adviser to Bain Capital Double Impact. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as financial advisor and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP acted as legal
advisor to AqueoUS Vets ®.
 
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About AqueoUS Vets ®
AqueoUS Vets ® is a leading, vertically integrated manufacturer of treatment systems used to address emerging contaminants in groundwater such as PFAS, 1,2,3-TCP, TOC, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fuels, chrome 6, and arsenic, among others.  AV's "Concept to Commission" approach supports owners, engineers, and the contractor community. AV's capabilities are enhanced by advanced designs which incorporate best corrosion management practices, optimal hydraulic performance and media utilization, and long-term operational reliability.  AV's integrated approach delivers the entire treatment system from the influent to effluent flanges on the treatment pad which creates more value for clients and the end user.
 
About Bain Capital Double Impact
Bain Capital Double Impact is the impact investing strategy of Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm. Bain Capital Double Impact leverages deep industry experience and an active, value-added approach to build great companies that deliver both competitive financial returns and meaningful, measurable social and environmental good.  Bain Capital Double Impact partners with companies across three themes – health & wellness, education & workforce development, and sustainability to create long-term value and meaningful social impact at scale.  For more information, visit www.baincapitaldoubleimpact.com.
 
Media Contact
 
Edward de Sciora
Stanton
(646) 502-3538
edesciora@stantonprm.com

Best wishes for joy and love this holiday season and the upcoming year, for you and your loved ones
​from the AqueoUS Vets team!