Customer-focused flow control solutions for industrial transformation

This article, written by Michael Vehreschild (KCI)  was published in Armaturen Welt, June 2026 issue: Lösungsanbieter für die Transformation der Industrie.

Since April this year, David Montada has been responsible not only for the DACH region but also for the Benelux market, and thus oversees all sales and service activities in this region. The 52-year-old knows the market’s needs inside out, having accumulated around 30 years of experience in the process industry. “My career began in technical service and project management and, through various sales and management roles, has consistently led me towards international sales management, with a focus on valves, actuators and automation.”

David Montada has been with Valmet Flow Control since February 2021. “In my previous role as Senior Sales Manager DACH, the focus was particularly on the further development of the sales organisation and on a consistent shift towards customer-oriented, integrated solutions.”

Not just products, but solutions too

At the heart of David Montada’s current role at Valmet Flow Control is the sustainable development of the business in Central Europe. “A key factor in our success is the close integration of sales, service and engineering,” he explains. “Our approach is clear: we don’t just supply products but consciously position ourselves as a solutions provider.” In concrete terms, this means greater integration of service into the sales process and a targeted expansion of existing business. The focus is on key accounts and strategic partnerships. The continuous development of the organisation and processes is also central.

And with success: Valmet Flow Control is already established in the region as a reliable partner for sophisticated flow control solutions. “My aim is to strengthen this position and our expertise in the long term, thereby helping our customers achieve their goals: process and environmental efficiency, plant availability and cost-effectiveness,” explains David Montada.

The service business has grown in importance

Neles™ control valves are specifically designed, manufactured, tested, and optimized for their respective applications.

Valmet is on a successful trajectory in the DACH region. “Despite a challenging market environment, the past two years have been characterised by stable and, on the whole, positive development,” reports David Montada. The service business, in particular, has grown significantly in importance. “It is clear that customers are increasingly demanding comprehensive solutions.” Individual components are becoming less important, with the focus shifting to the integrated interaction between valves, automation and service.

His conclusion: “The development so far gives me cause for optimism, whilst at the same time we see further substantial growth potential.” This is particularly true in the areas of the service business and lifecycle support, the digitalisation of plant assets and processes, and the expansion of long-term, partnership-based customer relationships.

New Group Strategy: “Lead the Way”

With its “Lead the Way” Group Strategy, Valmet has further refined its strategic focus, with the clear aim of actively shaping industrial transformation. The four pillars of the strategy include Customer Success, where customer benefit is always the focus, and Lifecycle Commitment, which focuses on the installed base and long-term customer relationships. Another pillar is Global Competitiveness, comprising cost leadership and efficient processes. The fourth pillar is Accountability. The aim here is to foster and shape a clear culture of responsibility and performance.

“The overarching goal of transforming industry towards a renewable future means, in concrete terms, supporting our customers in optimising their processes: with a view to energy efficiency, emissions reduction and sustainable plant operation,” explains David Montada. The first results are already visible, for example through the greater integration of Valmet’s business areas and the consistent expansion of digital and service-oriented offerings. “For our customers, this means one thing above all: reliable, cost-effective and future-proof solutions.”

Valmet’s world-renowned flow control technology brands.

Process Performance Solutions segment

A Valmet’s flow control expert maintaining a ball valve.

Valmet is constantly evolving as a company to best meet its customers’ needs. This has led to the creation of the Process Performance Solutions segment, which comprises the Flow Control and Automation Solutions business areas. Its strategic mission is to promote resource efficiency. David Montada: “Services and technologies are integrated across both business areas, enabling continuous innovation and the development of a more holistic portfolio of business-critical solutions.”

For Valmet’s customers, this significantly reduces complexity. Above all, there are fewer interfaces to manage. Customers receive integrated solutions from a single source. And greater process reliability is achieved. “For Valmet itself, this structure lays the foundation for even closer collaboration between the business units and for a more efficient use of existing know-how.”

Comprehensive digital solutions

Valmet has always had its finger firmly on the pulse of the market. Digitalisation has already brought about noticeable changes in the flow control business and will continue to grow in importance. Valmet has therefore taken action and now offers users, amongst other things, smart valves with condition monitoring. In addition, data-driven service and maintenance concepts are being developed, alongside digitally supported maintenance strategies.

“The aim is to make plant operations more transparent, predictable and efficient.” Topics such as predictive maintenance and the use of artificial intelligence will play an even greater role in the future, particularly in the analysis of operational data and the optimisation of maintenance intervals.

The Neles™ NDX™ is a next-generation intelligent valve controller that offers more sustainable valve control for all process industries, valves and applications.

Service is increasingly coming into focus as a central element at Valmet: “Service has evolved from a traditional after-sales issue into a central component of our business model,” concludes David Montada. “We are seeing that customers are placing greater emphasis on high plant availability, predictable and proactive maintenance, as well as fast and reliable response times.” This is precisely where Valmet’s service approach comes in: with standardised solutions, regional proximity and the consistent digitalisation of services. “From our perspective, service is now a decisive factor for sustainable competitiveness.”

The demands of the process industry are becoming increasingly complex, making stable and effective partnerships all the more important. “We therefore work closely with plant manufacturers, EPC contractors and distributors (contract partners). The aim is to incorporate solutions into projects at an early stage and integrate them in the best possible way from a technical perspective,” emphasises David Montada. For the customer, this means, above all, fewer interfaces, clear lines of responsibility and more efficient implementation.

The acquisition of Severn delivers sustainable added value

Customers also benefit from Valmet’s acquisitions. For example, the Severn Group acquisition will  further strengthen the ‘Process Performance Solutions’ segment. The Severn Group is an established manufacturer of industrial valves. The acquisition encompasses all three of Severn’s business units: Severn Glocon, ValvTechnologies and LB Bentley. Severn Glocon and ValvTechnologies focus on valve solutions for extreme operating conditions in critical applications within the process industry, including refining and chemicals, mining, as well as energy, upstream oil and gas. LB Bentley is regarded as the market leader for high-quality subsea valves.

Valmet’s Flow Control business provides customers with intelligent valves featuring condition monitoring, along with data-driven service and maintenance solutions supported by digital tools.

Severn, which employs around 950 people and manufactures primarily in the UK, the US and India, serves the process industry globally and has more than 60 years’ experience in providing specialised flow control solutions for the most demanding applications. Severn’s strong technologies, installed base and customer relationships support Valmet’s growth strategy beyond its traditional core business in biomaterials. The acquisitions is estimated to be completed during the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

According to David Montada, this acquisition is a significant step in the implementation of Valmet’s “Lead the Way” strategy. It not only strengthens the “Process Performance Solutions” segment but also expands the business in the “Flow Control” sector. Severn’s strong expertise and proven track record in demanding applications under extreme operating conditions make the company “an excellent strategic fit for Valmet. This acquisition underlines our commitment to delivering sustainable value to our customers throughout the entire lifecycle”.

Efficiency, reliability and digitalisation

The market is on the move: in recent years, developments in the field of valve and automation solutions have gained momentum. “Particularly in terms of efficiency, reliability and digitalisation,” explains David Montada. The focus is on more precise control characteristics, greater operational reliability and reduced maintenance and lifecycle costs.

Valmet has the right solutions for current and future developments. In the flow control sector, the company has a century of experience in valves and projects. “We have also leveraged our pioneering role in valve automation to offer solutions for automating every type of valve.” The “Valve Automation Solutions by Valmet” concept was specifically developed to address the typical challenges faced by valve manufacturers and plant engineers. “Our approach starts with understanding the core of the assembly – the valve,” explains David Montada. “We offer a complete package comprising actuator components, instrumentation and intelligent positioners as well as modern limit switches.”

Valmet has its sights set on further developments

To ensure fast response times to customer needs, Valmet operates a modern, efficient storage system.

Valmet already has its sights set on future developments. David Montada expects further progress in the coming years, particularly through the integration of smart features and greater interconnectivity between components. Furthermore, optimally coordinated systems “lead directly to higher plant availability and lower operating costs”.