Dutch specialists in filter overpressure systems for construction machinery merge 

Introduction of strict European standard for clean air in cabs of construction machinery gives Dutch companies edge in international market.

The new European standard requires - expected next year - every construction machine operating in a polluted environment to have a "filter overpressure system. Filter overpressure systems filter polluted and toxic outside air from harmful dust particles, fumes and gases, so that machine operators in the cabs breathe clean air. BMAir and Freshfilter, two Dutch specialists in these filter overpressure systems, are joining forces from January 2024 to conquer the European market together. 

The new European standard, prepared by the European Standardization Institute (Comité Européen de Normalisation; CEN), is expected to come into force in 2025 in all EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia and the United Kingdom. 

BMAir and Freshfilter both have years of experience in this market and are far ahead of European competitors. In fact, the Netherlands is one of the few European countries that already has strict standards on air quality in cabs of construction machinery. The merger of the two companies will make BMAir, as the new joint company will be called, the European market leader. In view of the approaching European standards, this is an ideal starting point for economies of scale, professionalization and product innovation. 

CEO of BMAir, Huib van den Berg: "We are proud and excited about the news that we will be partnering with the innovative, customer-focused and ambitious people at Freshfilter. Both companies share the intrinsic motivation to ensure that operators can work safely, healthily and productively in polluted air environments. This merger will allow us to respond to the rapidly increasing European demand for our products in the coming years. That will lead better applications and a lower carbon footprint." 

European standardization for filter overpressure systems is badly needed. Exposure to small amounts of contaminated air can lead to serious health problems. This is the case, for example, in operations in waste treatment, recycling, composting, soil remediation, construction and demolition. 

With the new standards, employers are expected to keep their workers working in clean air. It is estimated that only an average of 25% of construction equipment in Europe operating in polluted environments is equipped with a filter overpressure system. In the Netherlands, it is 88% due to regulations already in place. 

The former DGA of Freshfilter, Guido Mols, will be responsible for product development in the new organization. "The companies complement each other excellently in their expertise. By combining knowledge, skill and experience, we can focus more on innovation while continuing to deliver the highest quality. We develop products that can be easily installed by customers, are modular and continuously monitor safety and air quality. "