Growth and innovations for the maple division of H2O Innovation

TSX-V: HEO
OTCQX: HEOFF
Alternext: MNEMO: ALHEO

QUEBEC, Jan. 21, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - (TSXV: HEO) – H₂O Innovation ("H₂O Innovation" or the "Company") is proud to announce the addition of five new distributors to its network, the introduction of the new H₂O-Smartrek^TM technology and the inauguration of its new flagship store and showroom in Ham-Nord, Quebec, Canada. All these accomplishments, initiatives and innovations are in line with the continuous growth of the maple division over the past three years as well as with the growing demands from our clients for more performant products, allowing for a more intelligent and profitable maple production. The maple division is part of the specialty products and services group.

Increasing our market share and know-how
H₂O Innovation is expanding its presence in the maple market with the addition of two (2) new distributors in the province of Quebec and three (3) distributors in the United States. The new Quebec distributors will cover the Beauce region and the lower St-Lawrence district. In the United States, H₂O Innovation's presence will be reinforced in the states of New York and Ohio where a total of three (3) new distributors have already begun selling the Company's products. Not only do these distributors contribute to expand the territories covered by the Company and increase our revenues but they also enhance the experience and know-how of the entire maple team which will benefit our clientele. The H₂O Innovation maple division now includes thirty-three (33) distributors covering two Canadian provinces and nine American states and grew by 16% per year for the past three years.

Automation of the maple production
In partnership with SmartrekTechnologies^TM, H₂O Innovation now offers a monitoring and control system specific to the maple industry. Installed through the sugar bush, the H₂O-Smartrek^TM system allows the producers to detect leaks in their collection network and intervene quickly to repair them. By localizing and correcting the leaks, the quantity of maple water collected is increased, resulting in a direct improvement of the maple syrup production and thus revenues for the maple syrup producer. The use of the H₂O-Smartrek^TM system brings a gain that can reach up to 10% of revenues increase. Easy to install and operate, this wireless system will quickly become a must have for every maple syrup producers.

"The response from our clients following the introduction of the H₂O-Smartrek^TM system has been incredible. Since last fall, we have installed over 500 boxes throughout Canadian and American sugar bushes. The H₂O-Smartrek^TM innovation coexists with the Super-Concentrator, a high concentration level membrane filtration system introduced at the end of the 2014 maple season. Both of these innovative products are the reflection of our will to improve, optimize and facilitate the production of maple syrup" mentioned Pierre Courtois, Director of the maple division at H₂O Innovation.

New image
Important redesign work took place at the Ham-Nord premises to remodel the office space in line with the Company's image. The office transformation led to significant changes in the maple store. The store no longer looks like a hardware store but is now a spacious showroom where products are given a prominent place and enhanced training sessions will be offered. "Maple producers are modernizing their equipment and looking for ways to increase their efficiency. With the store's transformation we want to let them know that H₂O Innovation is there to assist them in their modernization and offer them an improved customer experience" stated Frédéric Dugré, President and Chief Executive Officer of H₂O Innovation. Maple producers are invited to the official inauguration of the new store on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The same innovative and strategic products displays will be deployed in the United States. In the upcoming months, our warehouse, located in Swanton, Vermont, will be transformed into a showroom where open-house events and workshops will be held. Our American distributors will also benefit from the modernization of our business places.

All these changes and innovations are creating a craze within the maple division. This renewed energy will serve the development of new products, improve our customer service and maintain the growth of the maple division.

About H₂O Innovation 
H₂O Innovation designs and provides state-of-the-art, custom-built, and integrated water treatment solutions based on membrane filtration technology to municipal, energy & natural resources end-users. Also, directly and through its affiliates, H₂O Innovation provides services and products complementary to its membrane filtration and reverse osmosis systems. These products consist of a complete line of specialty chemicals and consumables and a complete line of couplings. For more, visit www.h2oinnovation.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Alternext Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE H2O Innovation Inc.