Not satisfied to go with the flow, KSB wants to stay pumped. The company, one of the world's largest pump and valve manufacturers, makes centrifugal (70% of sales) and other pumps (single-stage, multistage, and submersible), valves, and related control and automation systems. Companies in the industry and building services, energy and mining, and water and waste water sectors use KSB's products to distribute water, heat homes, and transport corrosive and explosive liquids. The company also provides installation, maintenance, and inspection services. It operates about 30 factories in nearly 20 nations; the most profitable of its 50 subsidiaries are in France, Brazil, China, India, and the US.