This week, proactive caught up with Sprintex Ltd (ASX:SIX) CEO Jay Upton to discuss the company's new trial order and its growing relationship with Mest Water. The following is a cleaned up version of our chat. or you can watch the video below:
PROACTIVE: Jay, thanks for joining us. Let’s start with this major news — a trial order in Europe that could bring in $8.4 million. Tell us what this is all about.
JAY UPTON: We’ve been collaborating with Mest Water in the Netherlands, who are leaders in manure-to-fertiliser processing. They’ve developed a system that separates manure into clean water, solids that can be exported, and pelletised fertilizer — all driven by the need to reduce ammonia emissions by 2030.
PROACTIVE: Why is this system in such high demand?
JAY UPTON: The Dutch government has enforced strict regulations on nitrogen emissions, and there’s a deadline looming. Farmers must reduce their ammonia output or face penalties. Our technology helps them meet those goals — and Mest Water’s system, which uses our compressor technology, is significantly more efficient now.
PROACTIVE: And can you elaborate on the relationship with the VanDrie Group?
JAY UPTON: VanDrie is the world’s largest veal producer. If this pilot goes well, they could order 200 units — a potential AU$150 million over five years. The initial $8.4 million trial is just the start.
PROACTIVE: What makes Sprintex’s compressors a good fit for this application?
JAY UPTON: Our compressors are oil-free and highly energy-efficient. In this case, they’ve allowed Mest Water to shrink the size of their overall system and reduce energy costs. That’s crucial in the European market where sustainability and operating costs matter.
PROACTIVE: How’s your presence in Europe growing?
JAY UPTON: Yes — we’re looking seriously at setting up a European subsidiary. There’s excellent infrastructure, great technical expertise, and strong support for clean energy solutions. It’s a natural step.
PROACTIVE: You were at Hannover Messe recently. What kind of opportunities did that bring?
JAY UPTON: We saw a lot of interest in small mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) systems, which use our compressor technology. There’s one particular project with a Belgian company in the brewing industry that’s moving quickly. So we’re seeing strong pull-through in multiple sectors.
PROACTIVE: Sounds like things are accelerating on many fronts. What’s next?
JAY UPTON: The focus now is execution. This manure-to-fertiliser project is a game changer. We’re scaling up to deliver, and we’re also looking at further commercialisation in water treatment and industrial energy recovery.
PROACTIVE: Jay, thanks for the update.
JAY UPTON: Pleasure as always.