Copeland Strengthens Sustainable Industrial Heating Portfolio with Acquisition of SPH Sustainable Process Heat
Copeland, a global leader in sustainable climate and energy-efficient solutions, has announced an agreement to acquire SPH Sustainable Process Heat (SPH), a German company renowned for its advanced industrial heat pump technologies. This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion of Copeland’s industrial heating portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the global energy transition through innovative, low-carbon technologies.
The move enables Copeland to broaden its industrial footprint under its Vilter brand, enhancing its ability to serve a wider range of industries and applications that demand sustainable process heating. Until the completion of the acquisition, SPH will continue to operate independently, ensuring continuity for its customers and ongoing projects.
Accelerating the Shift Toward Energy-Efficient Industrial Heating
With this acquisition, Copeland continues its mission to enable the replacement of fossil-fuel-based heating systems with energy-efficient, heat pump-based alternatives. Industrial heat pumps are increasingly viewed as a cornerstone technology in reducing carbon emissions from process industries, which traditionally rely on high-temperature steam generated through natural gas or other fossil fuels.
Copeland’s decision to acquire SPH aligns with its broader strategy of supporting industrial decarbonization, especially across Europe, where the industrial heating sector represents a significant portion of total energy consumption. As industries face growing pressure to meet net-zero targets, technologies that can efficiently generate high-temperature steam without burning fossil fuels are becoming essential.
SPH’s expertise in high-temperature industrial heat pumps, capable of reaching up to 180 degrees Celsius, positions it as a pioneer in this field. The company’s flagship ThermBooster™ technology has been recognized for its ability to deliver reliable, high-performance heat pump solutions tailored for industrial steam applications.
About SPH Sustainable Process Heat
Headquartered in Overath, Germany, SPH has built a strong reputation for designing, manufacturing, and servicing sustainable, heat-pump-based steam systems. Its solutions address a diverse range of temperature, capacity, and refrigerant requirements, providing flexibility for industrial customers across sectors such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and manufacturing.
SPH specializes in the development of heat pump systems that use natural and low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, aligning with the European Union’s climate objectives and refrigerant regulations. This expertise will complement Copeland’s extensive knowledge of compressor and system technologies, creating a more robust portfolio capable of serving a broader market.
The company’s focus on innovation and sustainability has made it a trusted partner for industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining process efficiency. SPH’s team of engineers and technicians has demonstrated exceptional capability in customizing systems to meet complex industrial requirements, ensuring reliability and energy performance under demanding conditions.
Enhancing the Vilter Industrial Business
Copeland’s Vilter brand, already well-established in industrial refrigeration and heating systems, will gain significant momentum through the integration of SPH’s technologies. The acquisition allows Vilter to expand into higher-temperature process heating applications, addressing sectors that require steam above 150°C — a range historically dominated by fossil-fuel boilers.
By incorporating SPH’s technology, Copeland will also enhance its ability to support a wider spectrum of refrigerants, enabling customers to select the most efficient and environmentally friendly options for their applications. This flexibility translates into optimized system performance, lower operational costs, and a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The European industrial heat pump market is experiencing double-digit growth, driven by policy incentives, carbon pricing, and corporate sustainability commitments. According to industry forecasts, the steam heat pump segment is expected to expand rapidly over the next decade, positioning Copeland and SPH at the forefront of this transformation.
Leadership Perspectives on the Acquisition
Ross B. Shuster, Chief Executive Officer of Copeland, emphasized the strategic value of this acquisition, stating:
The addition of SPH’s talented team and differentiated technologies will enable us to serve a broader range of customers and applications. This expanded portfolio positions Copeland to accelerate growth in our industrial business by addressing the world’s increasing demand for sustainable heating solutions.
Shuster also highlighted the role of the acquisition in supporting Copeland’s long-term vision of sustainability leadership, citing the company’s ongoing investments in decarbonization and renewable energy integration. He noted that combining Copeland’s global presence with SPH’s specialized capabilities will allow both companies to deliver more comprehensive solutions to industries worldwide.
SPH’s founders — Andreas Muck, Tim Hamacher, and Tor Hodne — expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Copeland. In a joint statement, they said:
We are truly excited to join the Copeland team. By combining our high-temperature heat pump technology with Copeland’s expansive reach and expertise, we can help a broader range of industrial customers accelerate their transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient heating. Together, we’re committed to advancing global sustainability and empowering industries to meet ambitious electrification goals.
Partnership with Spirax Group
As part of the transaction, Spirax Group (LON: SPX), a global leader in steam solutions, will retain a minority shareholding in SPH. Spirax has been a key partner in the development of SPH’s market presence and will continue to play a strategic role under Copeland’s ownership.
Through its Steam Thermal Solutions Business, Spirax intends to leverage its direct sales channels to promote and distribute SPH’s heat pump technologies to a broader customer base. This collaboration is expected to accelerate SPH’s commercial growth and enable a wider adoption of sustainable steam solutions across industries.
The continued involvement of Spirax underscores the collaborative approach between technology providers and industrial leaders in accelerating the electrification of heat — a critical pillar of the energy transition.
Advancing Industrial Decarbonization
Industrial process heating accounts for a significant share of global carbon emissions, making it one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize. Traditional methods rely heavily on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas to produce high-temperature steam for production processes.
By contrast, industrial heat pumps offer a cleaner alternative by capturing waste heat and upgrading it for reuse in industrial systems. This results in both energy savings and substantial emission reductions, contributing to sustainability goals and lowering operating costs.
The acquisition positions Copeland as a key enabler of industrial electrification, combining its engineering expertise with SPH’s thermal process knowledge. Together, they aim to accelerate the deployment of high-efficiency heating systems that align with global carbon neutrality targets.
