The pump and fluid handling industry kicked off 2026 with some major moves in M&A, energy efficiency innovation, and cutting-edge applications. Here are the top stories making waves this month.
Flowserve Makes a $490 Million Power Play
Flowserve Corporation is doubling down on critical infrastructure with its agreement to acquire Trillium Flow Technologies’ Valves Division (TVD) for $490 million in cash. This strategic move significantly strengthens Flowserve’s position in both nuclear and traditional power generation markets—sectors where reliability and precision are non-negotiable. The acquisition signals continued consolidation in the industrial flow control space as companies look to build comprehensive solutions portfolios.
ABB Pushes Energy Efficiency Boundaries with IE6 Motors
Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming the baseline. ABB has expanded its IE6 Hyper Efficiency synchronous reluctance (SynRM) motor range, bringing this magnet-free technology to larger frame sizes and higher power ratings. For pump operators, this means access to ultra-efficient drive solutions that can significantly reduce energy consumption and support decarbonization goals without rare earth dependencies. As energy costs continue to rise and regulations tighten, IE6 technology is positioning itself as the new industry standard.
World Pumps Magazine: Nuclear Energy & CERN Cooling Take Center Stage
The latest January/February 2026 issue of World Pumps dives deep into some fascinating applications:
- Nuclear energy pumps: Exploring the specialized pumping solutions required for the nuclear renaissance
- Testing and development: Latest advances in pump and motor R&D methodologies
- CERN’s ground-breaking cooling systems: A behind-the-scenes look at how the European Organization for Nuclear Research manages thermal management at the cutting edge of particle physics
These stories highlight how pump technology underpins everything from energy security to fundamental scientific research.
