WILO SE is one of the leading manufacturers of pumps and pump systems for heating, cooling and air-conditioning technology and for water supply and sewage and drainage. The company was founded in 1872 by Louis Opländer as a copper and brass goods factory and is now represented in more than 70 countries and employs about 6,000 personnel throughout the world. In 2007, turnover amounted to 927 million euros. In 2008, the change of legal form from a German towards a European stock corporation (Societas Europaea = SE) was carried out as a logical step against the background of increasing international activities. By developing innovative concepts and applying technologies which show the highest possible efficiency, Wilo makes sure to act in the spirit of sustainability. The Dortmund company was thus pioneer when it came to the development of electronic heating pumps. And also the first high-efficiency pump which allows energy savings of up to 80 per cent compared to uncontrolled circulators, was invented by Wilo. The company regularly demonstrates its technological leadership – by filing up to 20 patent applications every year.