HydroChem acquires Cairns-based water treatment company

HydroChem has announced the acquisition of Cairns-based water treatment company Maxwells H2O Services.

The Queensland business has long specialised in commercial and industrial water treatment throughout FNQ and PNG. Co-owners Chris Harris and Keith Robinson are well known in the industry and have extensive experience in the resources and heavy industrial sectors.

HydroChem has indicated that the acquisition is a strategic investment as the company continues to expand its regional footprint. The Maxwells H2O Services deal follows the purchase of leading Tasmanian service provider DM Chemicals in 2018.

“HydroChem has had a reasonable foothold in FNQ for a number of years,” says HydroChem Strategic Director Nick Duncan, M.AIRAH.

“We are a fiercely independent, Australian family-owned business. We understand the value of long-standing relationships and place great emphasis on delivering exceptional service. It is safe to say when we entered into our initial discussion with Keith and Chris, what set HydroChem apart from other suitors was that water treatment is our business, not our sideline.”

“In joining HydroChem, Maxwells customers will greatly benefit from a widely respected and nationally established Australian-owned water treatment company,” says Maxwells H2O Services retiring owner Keith Robinson.

“Maxwells customers can look forward to a wider range of services, more advanced in-house technical support, higher levels of quality assurance, greater back-up support and long-term certainty.”

Chris Harris has signalled his intention to stay on and assist HydroChem’s expansion in FNQ.

The Maxwells H2O Services brand will also continue. HydroChem has already announced its intention to retain the company name and livery in the region.

“Queenslanders identify with and trust the Maxwells name in water treatment circles,” says Duncan. “We see no reason to change that.”

Read the company profile of HydroChem on HVAC&R Search.