New filters and pumps

Download: New filters and pumps (PDF file)Shott International, a subsidiary of the kitchen furniture manufacturer Scilm, has built an international reputation over the years with innovative products such as the special biological filter "Powerbead". Based in Citadella, the company sells filter products for garden ponds and swimming pools, and these applications each account for half of its overall sales. While its garden pond accessory customers come primarily from the USA, the filter products for swimming pools are marketed mostly in Europe.The product range of Shott International covering the garden pond sector extends from skimmers that ensure a clear water surface of the pond to the most exhaustive UVC lamp filter selection, including a wide range of pumps and pressure and mechanical filtration systems. An important element of the company's business is the manufacture of private label products for large retail groups. At its headquarters, Shott has a 6 000 m² warehouse from which it makes its customer deliveries. The company employs 40 staff.For some years the company also included aquarium equipment in its portfolio. Due to the decline in prices in the segment internationally, however, Shott International decided in 2002 to pull out of this business. "Quality and innovation are our top priorities. This seems to be recognised by garden pond owners, because they tend to be more ready to spend money on their hobby than aquarists," explains Radames Astolfi, the marketing manager of Shott International. All products are tested internationally for safety and have the most important international approvals such as TÜV and CSA.Focus on garden centresSince garden centres are among Shott International's key customers, the company regularly puts in an appearance at the leading garden trade shows such as Gafa in Cologne, for example. The company exhibited various products there, including a new pressure filter, which in addition to a mechanical filtration system is fitted with a UV bulb. The bulb's highly efficient UV-C output has an antibacterial effect and thus reduces the required cleaning frequency. Another new line is a range of submersible pumps that utilise the known Shott International technology of synchronous motors with a permanent magnet. The company says that these produce an impressive performance with low energy consumption.