As the water industry navigates increasing regulatory complexity, rapid technological advancement, and shifting customer expectations, manufacturers are driven to deliver more than individual components. Success now depends on integrated, adaptable solutions that balance performance, reliability, and sustainability.
In this Q&A, Greg Levine, President of Global Water at Franklin Electric, discusses how Franklin Electric is meeting this moment by anticipating change, investing in innovation, and working closely with partners to build water systems designed for both today’s demands and the future ahead.
How have customer expectations changed in the past year, particularly regarding service, performance, and sustainability?
Customer expectations have shifted toward greater reliability and all-in-one solutions, with needs varying by industry—whether commercial, municipal, mining, or others. Some customers require immediate, off-the-shelf availability, while others need configured-to-order solutions. We work closely with our partners, leveraging their feedback and our industry expertise, to deliver field-ready, high-performance products that are flexible and easy to adopt—helping them meet evolving market demands.
What key trends have emerged over the past year, and how are they shaping the market?
As a global manufacturer, we continue to see growing market demand for integrated, adaptable water system solutions across sectors. Urbanization is driving the need for pressure boosting and compact packaged systems in commercial environments, while municipalities and industrial sectors—particularly construction and mining—are seeking versatile, value-focused dewatering technologies. At the same time, connectivity remains a key priority, with customers expecting smart, all-in-one systems that streamline monitoring and control. These trends are central to our long-range commitment to serve our partners, guiding our innovation and investment across global markets.
Is Franklin Electric adding AI infrastructure, such as data centers, into its product or service focus in 2026?
As AI-driven data centers become more prevalent, we see a strong adjacency in serving this application through our advanced pumping solutions—helping ensure reliable cooling and water management for these critical facilities. We are proud to be well-equipped through our global manufacturing and distribution capabilities to respond quickly and effectively to evolving industry needs. Above all, we remain committed to discovering innovative ways to help our customers stay ahead of industry opportunities, leveraging both our expertise and new technologies to deliver reliable, future-ready solutions.
What regulations is Franklin Electric preparing for or watching in the coming year?
Franklin Electric's primary focus is delivering solutions that align with our customers’ applications and business opportunities, while proactively addressing evolving requirements. We are closely monitoring global regulations with broad impact, and we’re committed to supporting customer needs for low harmonic mitigation. To meet these demands, we’re expanding our portfolio of solutions, including submersible motors, vertical lineshaft turbines, and advanced variable frequency drives, ensuring we provide safe, innovative, and reliable solutions for our partners.
What else should end users know about the year ahead?
Franklin Electric is more than a manufacturer—we’re a partner. As global water demands grow and challenges become more complex, we’re investing in the tools, technologies, and talent needed to deliver reliable, efficient, and future-ready solutions. From pressure boosting in urban environments to dewatering in mining and construction, our global capabilities are backed by our commitment to service and support. Together, we’re building resilient systems that meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.
What upcoming technologies or innovations do you foresee having the most significant impact on the industry in the next five years?
Globally, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, electrification, and digitalization, with energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and smart, connected solutions becoming top priorities for customers and regulators. Our engineering teams work closely with customers to develop solutions that are not only field-ready and rigorously tested in our labs but also designed for ease of use and seamless adoption by water professionals. For example, our focus on remote technology—headlined by FE Connect®—extends our reliable support network to any jobsite, adding value to our trusted products. We’re committed to staying ahead of these trends—leveraging our global capabilities to deliver innovative, solutions that help our partners design safe, future-ready water systems.
As featured in Pumps & Systems Magazine’s article, Franklin Electric on the State of the Industry in 2026.