With record sales approaching $2.5 billion in 2012 and filter media accounting for 15-20% of its raw materials costs, Donaldson, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, is a pretty significant user of nonwovens.
Of 2012 sales, 47% were achieved in North America, 30% in Europe and 23% in Asia Pacific. In the coming years, the company’s aim is to achieve a more even split between these three regions by growing its presence in Asia, and specifically China, where it has been investing heavily.
Within the $50 billion filtration market as outlined in the graph from its latest financial report, Donaldson’s target markets are within eight categories with a combined value of around $20 billion.
Interestingly, the company does not compete in the conventional $3 billion automotive air filtration market, despite the use of many of its products in vehicles.