As part of our ongoing Industry Access Tour, we recently had the pleasure of visiting the Ruhrpumpen Service Center in Houston, Texas. It was a dynamic and inspiring visit that highlighted not only cutting-edge pump technology, but also the people and values that keep our industry moving forward.
This visit to Ruhrpumpen represents exactly what our Industry Access series aims to showcase – companies that combine technical excellence with strong leadership development and environmental stewardship. Through Industry Access, we’re opening doors to facilities across the country, giving audiences unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the operations and people driving our industry forward.
Ruhrpumpen is an innovative and efficient pump technology company that offers highly-engineered and standard pumping solutions for the oil & gas, power generation, industrial, chemical and water markets. They offer a broad range of centrifugal and reciprocating pumps that meet and exceed the requirements of the most demanding quality specifications and industry standards. They also strive to be the Supplier of Choice for their customers.
Their Service Center in Houston is part of their worldwide service network, providing local assistance in solving pumping needs. Regardless of the original manufacturer, their aftermarket staff is able to supply assistance, repairs and maintenance as well as provide spare parts for centrifugal and reciprocating pumps – anytime, anywhere. Check out their Global Service Network!
Reconnecting with Mike Bradley, whom we first met during our Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference (EPIC) in Colorado, was a highlight. When we first met him, it was on our Mine tour that we offered as part of our event, so it was great to catch up in a new setting – this time, on his home turf at Ruhrpumpen. As we walked through the facility, it was clear how passionate he is about the work and the culture.
Ruhrpumpen is a private, family-owned company known for its high-performance centrifugal pumps and engineered solutions. With a global presence and a deep commitment to quality, the company has long been a trusted name across industries. At the Houston service center, we saw firsthand how their legacy of innovation is being carried forward by a new generation of leaders.
Mike introduced us to Diana Navarrete, an early-career engineer who is already making waves as the Repair Coordinator of the Houston Service Center. Meeting her was truly refreshing – she radiates enthusiasm, professionalism, and a clear sense of purpose. It’s not every day you see someone so early in their career leading a service facility with such confidence and clarity. Diana shared her commitment to sustainability, particularly her work around reducing waste in pump servicing. She and her team actively reuse parts, refurbish pumps others might write off, and explore creative solutions to give equipment a second life. Her approach isn’t just smart business – it’s a model of resourcefulness and environmental stewardship.
From Left to Right: Mike Bradley, Diana Navarrete, and Reginald Daniels
In addition to their service capabilities, Ruhrpumpen continues to expand their product portfolio. They offer a broad range of API-compliant vertical and horizontal centrifugal pumps designed for high-efficiency and high-reliability applications. These pumps support critical systems across multiple sectors, from energy to industrial processing. We were impressed by how the company balances the precision of custom-engineered solutions with the scalability of standardized products.
Another thing Ruhrpumpen offers is their Global Proposal System (GPS). This program allows users to make an accurate and detailed selection of centrifugal and reciprocating pumps for their specific needs. Additionally, you can use it to size a pump for a new application and get performance information of an existing pumping unit. They also have a library of short courses for those interested in understanding things like theoretical principles, pump operations, hydraulics, pump performance curves, and practical insights into the safe operation of equipment. These offerings outside of their equipment show their dedication to being a resource for the industry.
But what struck us most during our visit was the human side of the operation. The pride, collaboration, and sense of ownership were evident in every conversation. As a family-owned business, Ruhrpumpen places a premium on relationships – both within the company and with the clients they serve. That culture is clearly what empowers leaders like Mike and Diana to thrive.
For us, this visit wasn’t just about touring a facility – it was about witnessing how leadership development and environmental responsibility can thrive within a technical organization. It reminded us why we started this journey: to showcase the passion, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership behind the scenes of the industrial world.
Thank you to the entire Ruhrpumpen team for the warm welcome and for sharing their story with us.
Learn More About Ruhrpumpen’s Engineering Excellence
Ruhrpumpen’s comprehensive pump solutions represent decades of engineering innovation and global service expertise. From API-compliant centrifugal pumps to sustainable servicing practices, their products and worldwide service network keep critical operations running across industries.
Explore their complete range of pump solutions and service capabilities at ruhrpumpen.com or connect with their Houston service team for application-specific expertise and sustainable pump servicing solutions.
Experience Industry Access Yourself
Our Ruhrpumpen visit showcases the innovation and leadership driving our industry forward. Industry Access with Charli K Matthews takes you behind the scenes at manufacturing facilities across the country, highlighting the people and processes that power critical infrastructure. Want to see your facility featured or learn about upcoming visits? Contact Charli at Charli@empoweringpumps.com to explore opportunities.
Follow our #IndustryAccess series for more exclusive facility tours and industry insights.
