Layne Christensen and Sumitomo Electric Industries Expands Supply Agreement of POREFLON™ Microfiltration Membrane Modules

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Layne Christensen Company (NASDAQ: LAYN) ("Layne") and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. ("Sumitomo") today announced that they have recently expanded their existing supply agreement. Under the original three-year supply agreement, Sumitomo had agreed to sell to Layne submerged membrane modules made from polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE"), commonly known as POREFLON^TM*. PTFE membranes have been used in over 200 installations worldwide, and provide the new standard for membrane performance.  

The amended agreement expands Layne's sale of POREFLON^TM modules, with new exclusive rights to market the cassettes in the growing U.S. municipal wastewater treatment market with the active support of Sumitomo. The expanded agreement continues to provide Layne exclusive rights to sell the POREFLON^TM modules to its active customer list in the industrial water treatment market.

Michael J. Caliel, Layne's President and CEO, commented, "This expanded agreement opens a new market for us and strengthens our competitive position with both an original equipment and replacement technology in the municipal wastewater treatment market. We continue to be very pleased with our Sumitomo relationship and this is the perfect time to enhance our relationship as municipal and industrial clients look for alternate water supplies increasing the demand for ultrafiltration membranes. In addition, this arrangement furthers Layne's strategic focus on its core water-related platforms."

*Poreflon^TM is a trademark of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd

About Layne PTFE Membrane Cassettes

The PTFE membrane cassettes enhance municipal and industrial membrane bioreactor ("MBR") wastewater treatment by clarifying wastewater from within the biological treatment system, eliminating downstream clarifiers. In addition, the PTFE membrane cassette system provides the following advantages: 1. Allows for easy retrofits, as the new cassette is designed to fit most existing MBR rack-type systems. This allows the user to easily upgrade to the more durable PTFE membranes. 2. Provides lower operating costs due to the superior surface properties of the PTFE membranes. 3. Delivers six times the tensile strength of polyvinylidene difluoride ("PVDF"), which reduces leaks and failures that are often associated with competing membranes. 4. Supports the highest operating temperature of any available membrane, operating in environments up to 122°F. 5.  Provides strong resistance to chemicals with a pH tolerance of 0-14. PTFE can be used in harsh applications and will outperform and outlast competing membranes, especially in harsh environments. 6. Requires no surface pre-treatment before putting them into service. They can be stored dry, unlike PVDF elements, which have to be kept wet after they are put in service, which provides for a much easier and cost effective installation.

Layne Christensen Company

Layne is a global water management, construction and drilling company, providing responsible solutions to the world of essential natural resources — water, minerals and energy. We offer innovative, sustainable products and services with an enduring commitment to safety, excellence, and integrity.

Contacts

J. Michael Anderson 
Chief Financial Officer 
281-475-2694 
[email protected] 

Dennard Lascar Associates 
Jack Lascar 
713-529-6600 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Layne Christensen Company