Aqua Membranes opens operations in Knoxville, a $6.5 million investment
Aqua Membranes has developed a cutting-edge solution that replaces traditional mesh feed channels with spiral-wound membranes.
For the past 15 years, Rodney Herrington has been researching, designing, manufacturing, and delivering an innovative water treatment technology. On Thursday, he watched the company he founded open a 200,000-square-foot facility in the Forks of the River Industrial Park in Knoxville to advance the global operations of the product, process, and treatment he created.
“When I researched and began working on Aqua Membranes 15 years ago, I knew it was going to change water treatment,” Herrington told attendees at the ribbon-cutting. “It does even more than I initially thought. It could change the industry standard.”
The most effective way to clean most water sources is a process called reverse osmosis. It involves pushing water through a tiny filter that catches harmful materials—like salt, dirt, PFAS, and microplastics—so only clean water comes out.
The current industry standard utilizes filtration systems featuring a plastic mesh to facilitate water flow. But that mesh slows down the process and wastes energy.
Aqua Membranes has developed a cutting-edge solution that replaces traditional mesh feed channels in spiral-wound membranes. Instead of using mesh, the company prints special patterns directly onto the filter using high-tech printers. The patented innovation, called Printed Spacer Technology®, helps water move faster, keeps filters cleaner longer, and reduces energy consumption.
To date, the membranes have demonstrated these outcomes in commercial installations worldwide.
“It can treat any water… in any industry… anywhere!” Herrington added.
Aqua Membranes is recognized across the water treatment industry as a leader in innovation. The company was named Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year by Global Water Intelligence (GWI) in the 2024 Global Water Awards.
Over the past 15 years, Aqua Membranes has secured 46 patents. At its new facility in the Forks of the River Industrial Park in Southeast Knoxville, those patented technologies, processes, and materials are now on full display.
Celebrating with a Ribbon-Cutting
The Knoxville Chamber, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), the City of Knoxville, and the Aqua Membranes team gathered with business leaders, neighbors, and economic developers Thursday morning for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
The city and state announced the company’s $6.5 million investment into the project and its commitment to create 90 new jobs for the Southeast Knoxville community. But Herrington said those metrics are just the tip of the iceberg.
Looking out over the vast space in Aqua Membranes’ new facility, he said he hopes to see every square inch operational one day.
“We’re going to fill this whole place up, and hopefully we’ll end up hiring much more than 95 people,” he said.
Once the facility is fully built out, Chief Executive Officer Craig Beckman said the company could produce up to 25,000 membranes annually.
“Our technology is not an incremental improvement to the water industry. It is completely disruptive—a major leap forward,” Beckman said. “We expect it to become the de facto standard in membrane technology around the world. And much of that production will be coming from this facility in Tennessee.”
Beckman, Herrington, and the Aqua Membranes team evaluated 20 potential sites across the United States and Mexico before choosing Knoxville. They said the city was the “right fit” because of its business-friendly environment, commitment to innovation, and welcoming nature of local leaders.
A Look at Knoxville MSA Economic Development
Gary Human, East Tennessee Regional Director of Economic Development, spoke at the ribbon-cutting about Aqua Membranes’ investment and the region’s growing momentum.
According to TNECD, the Knoxville MSA, which includes 16 counties, has shepherded 70 new projects, attracted or created 12,000 new jobs, and received $10 billion in new capital investment since 2020.
“Aqua Membranes chose Tennessee for a reason,” Human said. “The Knoxville region, Knox County, and the City of Knoxville are all playing a part in this. And we thank them.”
Though Governor Bill Lee and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter were unable to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, they shared in the excitement for yet another East Tennessee business attraction announcement.
“Tennessee is recognized nationwide for having one of the fastest-growing economies, driven by our pro-business climate and committed workforce. Today’s announcement reinforces why companies like Aqua Membranes continue to invest in the Volunteer State, and I look forward to the expanded opportunity these new jobs will bring to families in the greater Knoxville region,” Governor Lee said.
Learn more about Aqua Membranes’ technology.
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