WATER METER MASTERS
METER
Since we last spoke to Kamstrup in early 2024, the water meter manufacturing industry has continued to progress towards digitalization and connected technologies.
Along the way, Kamstrup, a worldleading manufacturer of advanced solid-state metering solutions for smart energy and water utilities, has seen its competitors struggle to maintain product quality and overcome supply chain issues.
While component availability is being resolved, the next macro level supply chain challenges for the water metering industry in North America concern trade policy and the increasing costs of metals.
As the sector moves towards integrated digital networks and smart solutions, meter manufacturers appear to have overlooked quality, reliability, and durability.
However, Kamstrup bucks this trend. Headquartered in Denmark with employees in more than 20 countries, the company has been trusted by utilities around the world to deliver reliable metering solutions for over 75 years.
In North America, the company has almost 120 employees and is focused on supporting water utilities
We revisit smart metering solutions provider, Kamstrup, whose Country Manager and Vice President of North America, Bruce Bharat, updates us on the company’s latest investments, developments, and achievements from the past 12 months
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: David Knott
Bruce Bharat
with ultrasonic meters, network communications, and software applications, as well as heating and cooling in Canada.
It boasts an impressive North American return rate of just 0.25 percent and a high customer satisfaction rating, while competitor manufacturers continue to lag behind in terms of delivery and lead times.
“With US-based manufacturing, we are able to deliver meters in a fraction of the time that our competition requires,” elaborates Bruce Bharat, Country Manager and Vice President of North America.
“For example, a customer in Alabama recently noted that availability was a deciding factor in their decision to choose Kamstrup. To that end, their Kamstrup system would be completely installed before the incumbent manufacturer estimated their first meter could be delivered.”
As Kamstrup continues to invest heavily in supply chain localization and source more components in the US, the company is well-positioned in the face of impending trade regulations that would negatively impact metering products made by
GEORGIA FAST 40
In June 2024, Kamstrup was honored to announce its inclusion in the prestigious Georgia Fast 40 list for the second year in a row.
The list recognizes companies across various industries that have demonstrated significant revenue growth and job creation.
It serves as a showcase for GA’s most dynamic and successful businesses, underscoring their positive impact on the local economy.
competitors in other countries.
“We want our utility customers to know that we are navigating ongoing trade regulations and doing everything within our control to make sure we deliver on our promises,” emphasizes Bharat.
“Additionally, our flagship residential metering products feature our robust polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composite material, which helps minimize risk from inflationary metal pricing-based supply and demand or future tariffs,” he adds.
ADVANCED FACILITY
In March 2024, Kamstrup celebrated the grand opening of its new US headquarters and manufacturing facility in Cumming, Georgia (GA), which was attended by the GA Governor, Brian Kemp, along with the
Ambassador of Denmark to the US, Jesper Møller Sørensen.
A testament to Kamstrup’s commitment to the North American market, the facility includes over 150,000 square feet (sqft) of operations and manufacturing space – enough to support the production of over three million meters annually.
“In keeping with Kamstrup’s globally recognized reputation
for outstanding quality, the facility features robotic automation, technologically advanced flow bench equipment, and robust internal quality checks and processes,” Bharat informs us.
Alongside the opening of Kamstrup’s new US headquarters and manufacturing facility, metering as a service (MaaS) is expanding and gaining exposure.
“WITH US-BASED MANUFACTURING, WE ARE ABLE TO DELIVER METERS IN A FRACTION OF THE TIME THAT OUR COMPETITION REQUIRES”
– BRUCE BHARAT, COUNTRY MANAGER AND VICE PRESIDENT OF NORTH AMERICA, KAMSTRUP
Offered by public-benefit corporation, Sustainability Partners, in collaboration with Kamstrup, MaaS is disrupting the traditional approach to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployment, delivering unmatched benefits with assured performance.
To date, over 200,000 Kamstrup water meters are under contract with MaaS and Kamstrup expects this number to double in the next 18 months.
The innovative model delivers a turnkey AMI project with no upfront costs and immediate cash flow.
Instead of buying, installing, and maintaining a solution, utilities pay a monthly fee per meter in exchange for a new AMI system.
“MaaS includes hassle-free service and performance guarantees that deliver accountability – if a meter is defective or malfunctioning, monthly payments stop for the service and payments don’t start again until it’s verified to be successfully functioning once again,” explains Bharat.
Last year, the City of Shreveport in Louisiana (LA) entered into a MaaS agreement with Kamstrup and Sustainability Partners, through
which it will transition approximately 80,000 drive-by automatic meter reading (AMR) devices to Kamstrup’s AMI with embedded acoustic leak detection (ALD).
This is a huge achievement for the City of Shreveport and Kamstrup and one of the company’s largest MaaS projects to date.
“The residential meters for the city will be manufactured in our Cumming facility and, as of today, over 47,000 meters have already been delivered,” Bharat acclaims.
VIVA LAS VEGAS
Elsewhere, in Las Vegas, where water is a precious resource, Kamstrup recently signed a seven-year agreement with the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD).
As a careful water steward, Kamstrup’s focus on sustainability and the environment resonated with the utility.
AComprehensive Water Management Services
Delivering robust and innovative water and wastewater solutions across Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Western Tennessee, ETEC’s services are designed to optimize its clients’ operations, enhance productivity, and elevate overall system performance, driving measurable improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction
s an organization with expertise in equipment applications for water meters, water treatment, solids handling, and air emissions, ETEC emerges as a leading provider of municipal and industrial water and wastewater services across the southern states.
Capitalizing on its unique areas of expertise, ETEC offers an extensive collection of products and equipment, which allows the company to present optimum solutions for its clients’ particular water and wastewater problems.
Through its wide variety of professional services, ETEC partners with local water utilities to achieve sustainable, long-term growth and success, collaborating with a range of manufacturers to offer the highest quality solutions for its clients’ projects.
As such, the company actively partners with manufacturers that not only produce stellar equipment but are also technological leaders in their respective fields.
With this range of comprehensive resources and unique industry knowledge at their fingertips, ETEC’s clients can feel confident they will be consistently provided with exceptional service and guidance that they can trust.
VALUED PARTNERSHIP WITH KAMSTRUP
As an elite distributor of Kamstrup products, ETEC plays an integral role in every stage of the deployment and implementation of Kamstrup solutions.
From initial planning through to full deployment and optimization, ETEC’s sales and project management teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.
With extensive experience in deploying Kamstrup solutions across Louisiana and Mississippi, ETEC has established itself as a trusted provider of Kamstrup’s advanced metering technologies.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
ETEC’s project management team is extensively trained and certified in Kamstrup’s software, infrastructure, and water meters, equipping the team with the expertise to deliver tailored and optimized Kamstrup solutions to its customers.
Furthermore, ETEC’s proven track record ensures that each solution is seamlessly integrated into the utility’s operations, delivering sustained improvements in performance and efficiency.
PROJECTS OF NOTE
ETEC has deployed and implemented Kamstrup water meter systems across Louisiana and Mississippi including:
Lake Charles, LA
- ALD Solution
- 36,000 metering points
Shreveport, LA (In Progress)
- ALD Solution
- 77,000 metering points
City of Jackson, MS
- ALD Solution
- 70,000 metering points
ETEC’s comprehensive project management offering oversees every phase of the deployment process to ensure first-class execution.
The company collaborates closely with manufacturers, installation contractors, utility personnel, and consultants to maintain efficiency and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Additionally, it monitors progress, manages change orders, and implements rigorous quality control measures to uphold the highest standards.
With deep industry expertise and a proven track record, ETEC’s project management team delivers the strategic guidance and robust support necessary for a successful project. Its full suite of project management services include:
• Procurement
• Project Controls
• Inventory Management
• Quality Control
• IT Support/Troubleshooting
• Training
• Software Integration and Testing
ACOUSTIC LEAK DETECTION (ALD) MONITORING
ETEC also provides leak monitoring services and support to its customers, utilizing Kamstrup’s innovative Acoustic Leak Detection (ALD) solution, which provides permanent, round-the-clock monitoring of clients’ water distribution networks.
With faster and more efficient leak detection capabilities, ALD enables less cost per identified leak, reduces non-revenue water, and, in turn, increases overall revenue.
A DEDICATED SUPPORT TEAM
ETEC’s support team provides services and support our AMR, AMI, and ALD customers, enabling them to utilize Kamstrup solutions to their fullest potential and maximize ROI. Its comprehensive suite of customer support includes:
• IT support – A dedicated technical support team troubleshoots software related issues, manages software updates, and provides additional technical support and troubleshooting services to customers.
• Online help desk – ETEC’s Help Desk is an online platform for enhanced customer service and support. It includes services such as ticketing management, remote desktop support, and access to a diverse knowledge-base for product information and user guides.
• Return merchandise authorization (RMA) – The company’s support team will manage the warranty process for every customer. It files potential warranty claims with the manufacturer, manages all correspondence throughout the warranty process, and coordinates the delivery and installation of any new replacement meters.
• Training – ETEC provides training on all Kamstrup software, infrastructure, devices, and field procedures to ensure the utility’s staff operates efficiently. It offers both remote and onsite training options in the following:
• Software
• READy Manager
• READy App
• Leak Detector
• Field Procedures
• READy Mobile App
• Field Troubleshooting
• Leak Investigation
By allowing utilities to efficiently identify, locate, and repair leaks on service lines and distribution mains, ETEC’s comprehensive ALD monitoring services offer clients peace of mind. Meanwhile, advanced analytics and reporting enables the company to prioritize maintenance and repair efforts.
ETEC’s full suite of acoustic leak detection and monitoring services include:
• Monitor acoustic noise data throughout the distribution network
• Analyze and interpret acoustic noise data
• Localize potential leaks on service lines and distribution mains
• Prioritize and coordinate maintenance and repair efforts
• Work order management
• Advanced Reporting
DEDICATED POST-DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT
Beyond deployment, ETEC offers a comprehensive range of post-deployment services and support, empowering utilities to maximize the value of their Kamstrup solutions.
Through ongoing professional services and support, ETEC’s dedicated team enables utilities to unlock the full potential of their investment, enhancing performance and maximizing return on investment (ROI). By providing proactive and reliable services throughout the lifecycle of each project, ETEC enables its clients to achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth, building a strong foundation for long-term success supplemented by Kamstrup’s industry-leading solutions.
In short, ETEC’s comprehensive postdeployment service and maintenance solutions ensure long-term reliability and efficiency of its clients’ advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network infrastructure and devices, whilst its proactive approach helps utilities to reduce operating costs and optimize system performance.
PROJECT PHASES
ETEC provides services and support throughout all phases of its clients’ projects:
• Pre-Deployment
• Full Deployment
• Post-Deployment
Its full suite of service and maintenance offerings include:
• AMI Network monitoring – Continuous oversight to ensure system stability and performance
• IT support and troubleshooting –Resolving technical issues to maintain seamless operations
• ALD monitoring – Monitoring acoustic noise levels throughout the utility’s distribution network to efficiently identify and address potential distribution side leaks.
• Analytics and reporting – Providing data-driven insights for informed decisionmaking
• Customer service – Offering responsive support to address utility and end-user concerns
• RMA process management – Streamlining the return and replacement process for defective equipment
• Field service and maintenance – Onsite support for system upkeep and issue resolution
• Training – Equipping utility personnel with the knowledge to maximize system capabilities
“MAAS INCLUDES HASSLE-FREE SERVICE AND PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES THAT DELIVER ACCOUNTABILITY – IF A METER IS DEFECTIVE
OR MALFUNCTIONING, MONTHLY PAYMENTS STOP FOR THE SERVICE AND PAYMENTS DON’T START AGAIN UNTIL IT’S VERIFIED TO BE SUCCESSFULLY FUNCTIONING ONCE AGAIN”
–
BRUCE BHARAT, COUNTRY MANAGER AND VICE PRESIDENT OF NORTH AMERICA, KAMSTRUP
“LVVWD looks forward to seeing how a more accurate meter will help them with their progressive conservation and non-revenue water programs in a true urban desert environment,” outlines Bharat.
“They will be evaluating our claims of meter reliability and accuracy over the next few months and using the agreement to enable expansion into integrated ALD and other solutions.”
Excited to work with Kamstrup, LVVWD is going before its management board to authorize up to 400,000 residential meters as well as the new flowIQ® 4200 for casinos and
other large water users.
“Our ability and willingness to flex our production capabilities to win Las Vegas shows Kamstrup’s dedication to innovation,” Bharat observes.
Alongside its LVVWD agreement, Kamstrup announced the extension and expansion of its exclusive partnership with Everett J. Prescott, Inc. (Team EJP) in April 2024.
This partnership is a significant display of confidence in Kamstrup by Team EJP, a premier provider of water, wastewater, stormwater, and erosion control products.
“Team EJP officially ended a 70+
year relationship with a competitive meter manufacturer in order to represent Kamstrup,” reveals Bharat.
Through this relationship, Kamstrup has been able to expand its distribution network in Canada through an agreement with Team EJP and ICONIX Waterworks, a leading distributor of water, wastewater, and civil construction products.
EFFICIENCY AND GROWTH
The team at Kamstrup, meanwhile, continues to drive the company’s success in North America. 2024 was a year of significant
growth for its sales team, including several internal promotions, while staff reported a 90 percent loyalty rate in a recent employee survey.
“This is not only a key metric for our cultural and business success, but it also translates to consistent service and sales relationships with our customers,” Bharat notes.
Looking ahead, a big focus for Kamstrup in 2025 is to maintain its manufacturing efficiency and quality while growing into newer, larger segments of the North American water utility industry.
The company therefore recently completed a major overhaul of its internal sales processes in an effort to streamline the connection between sales and production.
“As a result, we are seeing our short lead times shrink even further while our production team is breaking efficiency records,” he prides.
Momentum is also expected to increase for MaaS this year, with
The Flow of Quality, The Promise of Excellence
• Comprehensive Product Range: From 60” diameter pipes to ½” diameter pipes, and ¾” hose bibs to 48” valves, we offer everything you need for your water and wastewater, utility construction projects.
• Trusted Manufacturers: We represent hundreds of utility construction material manufacturing companies, ensuring that only the best products make it to your project.
• Superb Customer Service: We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, offering guidance and support before, during, and after your purchase.
• Personalized Services: Receive one-on-one attention from our dedicated sales team to choose the perfect product tailored to your construction needs.
Kamstrup increasing its promotion of the model and increasing interest from water utilities.
From a product standpoint, the company anticipates increasing its market share in 2025 with the help of its groundbreaking flowIQ® 2200 residential meter, which has two significant differentiators that are revolutionary for utilities.
First, the flowIQ® 2200 features built-in ALD, which utilizes ultrasonic technology first introduced by Kamstrup in 2020 to listen out for leaks within the water column.
With an increasing number of Kamstrup ALD meters in the ground across the US, the real-world impact of this technology is revealing itself through impressive customer stories and testimonials.
The flowIQ® 2200 is also earning accolades for its ability to measure ultra-low flow consumption.
As hyper-efficient customer appliances become ubiquitous in US
households, utilities have been falling behind – until now.
“With Kamstrup’s ultra-low flow meters in place, utilities are able to capture an additional six gallons per minute (GPM), per household, per day on average.
“When this additional flow capture is multiplied over time and across communities, the results are astounding as just six gallons a day can help shave many years off the business case for a meter changeout project. With Kamstrup, water utilities are able to increase their return on investment (ROI), become more productive and efficient through AMI, and reduce non-revenue water,” Bharat concludes.
+1 (404) 835-6716
info-us@kamstrup.com www.kamstrup.com
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