St. Paul-based Ecolab Inc. acquired Abednego Environmental Services, a privately held company that provides automakers with technical expertise and cost-saving solutions for their paint operations.
 
Ecolab announced the deal on Wednesday, but did not disclose how much it paid for Novi, Michigan-based Abednego. Abednego operates in automotive plants throughout the U.S. and has annual revenue of $40 million. Among its client list is Toyota, Ford, Subaru, General Motors and other major auto companies.
 
“Abednego further broadens the suite of products and services Ecolab provides to automobile manufacturers to re-cycle water, reduce energy usage and reduce waste,” said Michael Johannsen, senior vice president of Nalco Water, the manufacturing segment of Ecolab’s water business. With Wednesday’s acquisition, Nalco Water will absorb Abednego into its own operations.
 
Ecolab provides a wide array of products and services aimed at water and energy efficiency, such as commercial laundry equipment, cleaning supplies and more. Its 2015 sales totaled $13.5 billion.
 
“Ecolab is dedicated to helping customers achieve better operational performance more cost effectively while using water more efficiently and sustainable,” Ecolab CEO Douglas Baker said in a statement. “We are delighted to have the Abednego team join us so we can deliver this commitment in the automotive industry.”