2000–present
In 2004, Douglas M. Baker Jr. was named chief executive officer. In 2006, he also was named chairman of Ecolab's board of directors.[17]
In November 2005, Ecolab opened a 200,000 square-foot global research, development, and engineering center in Eagan, Minnesota.[18]
In November 2007, Ecolab acquired Microtek Medical Holdings, expanding its infection prevention expertise and offerings to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, for $275 million.[19]
In February 2008, the company acquired Ecovation, a provider of technology used to increase efficiency in food and beverage production, for $210 million.[20]
In 2008, Ecolab established Zurich as its European, Middle East and African headquarters.[21]
In November 2011, Ecolab acquired Nalco Water for $8.3 billion.[22][23]
In April 2013, Ecolab acquired Champion Technologies and its related company Corsicana Technologies for $2.3 billion.[24][25] To satisfy regulatory concerns, the company sold Champion's chemical-management services division for deep-water oil and gas wells in the Gulf of Mexico.[26]
In November 2014, Ecolab, working with Trucost, launched the Water Risk Monetizer, an algorithm to help companies efficiently use water.[27]
In August 2015, the company moved its headquarters to the Travelers' North Tower in St. Paul, Minnesota.[28]
In August 2015, Ecolab acquired the U.S. operations of Swisher Hygiene for $40.5 million.[29]
In February 2017, Ecolab acquired Laboratoires Anios, a European manufacturer and marketer of hygiene and disinfection products for the healthcare, food service, and food and beverage markets for $800 million.[30]
In July 2016, Ecolab made a minority investment in Aquatech International.[31]
In August 2016, the company opened a Latin America regional headquarters in Miramar, Florida.[32]
In October 2016, Ecolab acquired the assets of UltraClenz, a developer of electronic hand hygiene compliance monitoring systems and dispensers.[33]
In February 2019, the company acquired Lobster Ink, an online training firm.[34]
In October 2021, Ecolab acquired Purolite, a provider of ion-exchange resins for biopharmaceutical purification for approximately $3.7 billion.[35]
In 2023, Ecolab partnered with and invested a "multi-million dollar" amount in Miso Robotics, a company specializing in automated in-restaurant robotic arms and other equipment for food preparation and staff augmentation.[36][37]
In July 2025, the company shifted much of its research and development toward data centers and semiconductor manufacturing, offering technologies such as liquid cooling.[38]
In August 2025, Ecolab acquired Ovivo's electronics business for $1.8 billion.[39][40]
