COMPANY HISTORY
1981
Dronaco
Waterco Limited commenced trading in 1981 under the name of Dronaco Pty Ltd, as a distributor of PVC pipe and fittings to swimming pool and spa industry. Waterco’s CEO Soon Sinn Goh quickly indentified other market niches and began expanding the company’s activities into the manufacture and distribution of swimming pool and spa equipment.
1983
Commenced business as Swimart
By 1987 Waterco had developed a clear identity in the swimming pool and water treatment industries, thus a name change was implemented to better reflect the future direction of the company.
1986
Acquisition of Zane Solar
In Oct 1986 Waterco expanded into Solar heating with the acquisition of Zane Solar systems. Zane solar has been established since 1974, its solar systems capture the sun’s natural energy to heat the swimming pool.
1987
Product line expansion
In June 1987 the next step was to expand his product line by distributing valves and swimming pool filters. Soon Sinn Goh obtained the distribution rights for Sta-Rite pumps and Lacron filters from Weir engineering.
1987
Waterco Pty Ltd
As the company grew, it evolved from a distributor to a manufacturer. In order to represent the product range related to water filtration, in June 1987 Soon Sinn changed Dronaco’s name to Waterco Pty Ltd.
1989
Floated on the Australian Stock Exchange
In March 1989 Waterco became a public listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange. The issue was over-subscribed by 300,000 shares. By November 2000 Waterco Limited is listed 69th on the Deloitte Fast 100 Growth Index for 2000.
2000
Waterco’s Chemical division
In September 2000 Waterco acquired the Watercare Division of Asia Pacific Chemicals Limited. Waterco’s Chemical division is Australia’s largest supplier of dry chlorine.
2002
Waterco receives TUV Certification for pool and spa pumps
In December 2002 TUV Rheinland Certificates were awarded after assessing Waterco’s pumps. TUV Rheinland is an authorized testing organization respected worldwide for its strict evaluation criteria and high technical standards.
2003
Lacron (UK) Limited
In April 2003 Waterco acquired Lacron Limited, Britain’s largest and most progressive manufacturer of pressure sand filters. Lacron’s acquisition is part of Waterco’s strategic maneuver into the European market.
2005
Focus Temp
In March 2005 Waterco acquired Focus Temp, a Canadian based manufacturer of high energy-efficient swimming pool heat pumps. The acquisition of this business came with a dominant market share in Canada, and a growing presence in both the United States and international markets.
2005
Baker Hydro
In March 2005 Waterco Acquired Baker Hydro, Augusta, Georgia business assets. Baker Hydro has more than 50 year’s experience in filtration and water treatment, and has a strong international presence. This enhanced Waterco’s distribution on the East Coast.
2006
Waterco China and Far East’s New Manufacturing Plants
In July 2006, Waterco has built two new manufacturing plants in Malaysia and China,to meet escalating demands from Europe and the USA,. The Malaysian manufacturing plant measures 18,000 square metres and the Chinese manufacturing plant measures 12,000 square meters. Both facilities have been built with the provision for future expansion in warehousing and manufacturing equipment.
2007
Multicyclone is awarded an International Award
In October 2007, The MultiCyclone, a Australian-designed and patented swimming pool filtration device, was awarded the 2007 Piscina Barcelona Sustainability Award at the International Swimming Pool Exhibition, Piscina BCN.
2012
Waterco acquires Pool and Spa Poppits Pty Ltd
Waterco’s acquisition of Pool and Spa Poppits reflects the growing demand for healthier water treatment products, especially by those who suffer from respiratory diseases and skin ailments.
Approved by the Sensitive Choice® program of the National Asthma Council Australia and the Asthma Foundation NZ, Pool and Spa Poppits offers a viable alternative to traditional chlorine and bromine chemical solutions. No other system has been endorsed in either country.
2020
Waterco acquires Automated Pool Products Pty Ltd
In July 2020, Waterco officially acquired Automated Pool Products Pty Ltd. - best known as the distributor of the iconic Kreepy Krauly Australian pool cleaner.
2022
Today, Waterco exports to over 40 countries and has branches operating in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, China, The United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada and Indonesia.
