ST. MICHAEL, Minn. (Nov. 17, 2015) – U.S. Water, an ALLETE Company (NYSE: ALE), today announced the acquisition of A and W Technologies.

The purchase agreement for $9 million dollar was signed by both parties today. A and W Technologies, a strong regional company in the Southeastern United States, provides specialty chemicals and engineering service for water treatment in data centers, light industrial, institutional and food industries. Located in Georgia and servicing the Southeastern United States, the company has nearly two decades of experience in helping customers reduce operating costs related to water and energy usage.

“The addition of A and W Technologies to the U.S. Water family will enable our company to provide a stronger focus on data centers, commercial/institutional business, and the food industry in the Southeastern United States.,” said Allan Bly, U.S. Water CEO. “We are very excited to have A and W Technologies join the U.S. Water family. Their experienced engineers will be a great addition to our team.”

Headquartered in St. Michael, Minn., U.S. Water has a national footprint and serves a growing and diverse mix of over 3,600 industrial customers, including a significant number of Fortune 500 companies. U.S. Water provides integrated water management for industry, combining chemical, equipment, engineering and service for customized solutions to reduce water and energy usage and improve efficiency.

“Today’s acquisition by U.S. Water demonstrates the continued excitement around the energy water nexus,” said ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO Alan R. Hodnik. It also demonstrates ALLETE’s strategy of supporting the continued growth of U.S. Water both organically and through acquisitions as the company grows its presence in the US and Canada.

U.S. Water is an integrated water treatment company providing industrial and commercial water management.