How an urgent job turned into dozens of ARBO pumps at Zeolyst
About Zeolyst
Zeolyst in Delfzijl produces zeolites — powdered catalysts that are used worldwide in the petrochemical and automotive industries. These substances help to produce cleaner fuels, thereby contributing to lower emissions and a more sustainable environment. The factory sets high standards for the reliability, safety, and chemical resistance of its installations.
How it all began
“Our relationship with Zeolyst goes back more than 30 years,” says Martijn van den Born, CEO of ARBO Pompen & Filters. “It started on a Friday evening when the factory couldn't start up after maintenance — a plastic tank turned out to be still open, a so-called manhole. They came to ARBO via our supplier Vink Kunststoffen. My own welder had already gone home, so I decided to go myself. With an extruder and some guts, I welded the opening shut on the spot so that the factory could start running again.”
During the tour of the factory, Martijn saw that many air-driven diaphragm pumps were being used — real energy guzzlers. His proposal to use more efficient plastic plug-in pumps was well received. Not long after, the first orders followed. Dozens of ARBO pumps are now in operation at Zeolyst.
“It's a great example of how ARBO has grown: with insight, customer focus, and healthy courage,” says Martijn.
Recent delivery
John Wasser, key account manager for Europe at ARBO, looks back:
“In 2018, we were once again involved with Zeolyst through an engineering firm. At that time, we supplied complete plastic vessels with SumPro immersion pumps, to their complete satisfaction. At the end of 2024, a new order followed: five additional vessels, in collaboration with our partner Makronyl. We assembled these into complete units.”
Application in a demanding environment
The pumps are used in the filter cloth washing line. The wash water from this process is collected, pumped, and reused. This takes place in a dusty environment, which places high demands on reliability and durability.
Trust as a foundation
“Our suction pumps have been running smoothly at Zeolyst for more than 25 years,” says John. “That long-term trust, combined with the collaboration with Makronyl, makes us a logical partner for these types of projects. Together, we realize sustainable total solutions.” What started as a spontaneous action on a Friday evening has grown into a collaboration that stands for reliability and innovation.