“We are in the middle of an industrial revolution”
Feb 19, 2026
The data center industry is transforming rapidly, driven by increased digitization, AI development, and growing demand for computing power. For Munters, this shift has meant both expansion and strategic repositioning.
“We are in the middle of an industrial revolution,” says Stefan Aspman, President of Data Center Technologies at Munters.
From evaporative cooling to full-scale data center cooling systems
Over the past five years, the data center segment has evolved significantly. Previously, cooling solutions largely focused on managing heat at room level. Today, the focus is increasingly on handling heat closer to its source, inside the server.
Munters established a strong position in evaporative cooling, and the launch of the SyCool split system and CDUs expanded the offering further. To meet growing demand in chilled water infrastructure, Munters acquired Geoclima, an Italian manufacturer of air- and water-cooled chillers.
With this addition, Munters now provides a broad portfolio of data center cooling solutions, including air handling units, split systems, chillers and dry coolers. This enables the company to support both air-cooled and liquid-cooled infrastructures.
According to Aspman, access to a complete chilled water infrastructure offering is essential in today’s market.
“At least 60 percent of the market is based on chilled water solutions. Without chillers, you are limited in how you can support customers.”
A broader view on efficiency and sustainability
Energy efficiency remains central in data center cooling. However, customer discussions have become more comprehensive. Metrics such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) are still relevant, but are now complemented by considerations around water use, embedded carbon, and circularity.
“There is a more holistic perspective today,” says Aspman. “The industry has become more fine-tuned. Customers look at total impact, not just energy consumption in isolation.”
Closed-loop systems and new technologies are helping reduce water consumption while maintaining high performance. At the same time, lower PUE levels mean attention is increasingly shifting toward optimizing the IT equipment itself.
Partnership over transactions
As customers scale rapidly, they require more than equipment deliveries. They need long-term partners who can support development, production, and lifecycle performance.
Munters treat each order as a project, following it from early collaboration through production, commissioning and service. This lifecycle approach is increasingly valued in a market characterized by rapid growth and technological shifts.
With increasing complexity and continued innovation in data center cooling, adaptability and close cooperation are expected to remain key success factors in the years ahead.
“When customers scale at this pace, they need a partner rather than a vendor,” says Aspman. “Someone who can grow with them and provide flexibility while the industry continues to evolve. At Munters, we focus on customer who truly value this kind of partnership.”
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