As global industries shift toward sustainability and smarter infrastructure, pioneers are redefining how essential systems operate—none more so than in wastewater treatment. Enter Omar Hammoud, the dynamic CEO & President of APG-Neuros, whose groundbreaking work has transformed the machinery industry. With a deep-rooted expertise in Process Engineering, Water Treatment, Business Development, and Project Engineering, Omar has redefined the way municipalities approach wastewater management. Armed with a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ottawa, his entrepreneurial journey has been marked by a relentless commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
“When I founded APG-Neuros, my inspiration came from a strong desire to help our community reduce its carbon footprint,” Omar explains. “Municipalities were struggling with outdated, energy-intensive equipment. I saw an opportunity to introduce turbo blower technology to North America—an innovation that significantly improved energy efficiency and reduced operational costs.”
What started as a revolutionary approach to turbo blower technology has now evolved into a comprehensive wastewater treatment solution, integrating AI-based smart automation, data-driven insights, and self-learning systems. Today, APG-Neuros is at the forefront of an industry-wide transformation, helping cities remove contaminants more efficiently while achieving lower operational costs and reduced carbon emissions.
20 Years of Innovation:
Since its founding, Omar reflects on the many pivotal moments that have shaped the company’s success and impact in the industry. One of the most significant milestones was the introduction of high-efficiency turbo blower technology in North America, revolutionizing aeration processes in wastewater treatment plants. This innovation set new standards in energy efficiency and performance, significantly improving municipal and industrial wastewater management. Another key factor in the company’s growth has been the development of a highly skilled team and strong supplier partnerships across the globe, including experts from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, China, and India. This global collaboration has fueled continuous technological advancements.
As the company expanded globally, its technology proved effective across diverse environments, with more than 800 installations worldwide. This widespread adoption solidified its position as an industry leader, with thousands of turbo blowers installed, making a measurable impact on efficiency and sustainability in wastewater treatment. In its commitment to digital transformation, the company launched its latest generation of aeration systems and turbo blowers integrated with machine learning capabilities, allowing wastewater treatment plants to optimize operations through data-driven insights and automation.
Another breakthrough was the development of a biogas-fueled gas turbine blower, a cutting-edge solution that enhances sustainability efforts by utilizing renewable energy sources. This technology has already secured its first commitment from the City of Cincinnati’s Little Miami Wastewater Treatment Plant, marking a significant step forward in reducing carbon footprints within the industry.
As the company celebrates 20 years of continuous growth, innovation, and strong partnerships with municipalities and industries worldwide, Omar emphasizes the unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of aeration technology. The company remains committed to embracing digital transformation, improving energy efficiency, and driving environmental sustainability in wastewater management. These milestones are not just markers of success but stepping stones toward an even more advanced and sustainable future.
Breaking Barriers
For Omar, one of the biggest challenges in establishing the company’s success was introducing a new technology to an industry that had traditionally been resistant to change. Many municipalities were accustomed to conventional equipment and hesitant to adopt unfamiliar solutions. Overcoming this required extensive education, pilot projects, and a clear demonstration of the undeniable efficiency and cost savings that the company’s technology provided.
Another significant hurdle was the procurement process in municipalities, as new technology products often lack direct competition, making it difficult for local governments to justify purchases through traditional bidding processes. However, many municipalities have successfully secured approval for sole-source procurement by emphasizing whole life cycle benefits rather than relying solely on initial price comparisons. This shift has allowed innovative solutions to gain traction in the market, proving their long-term value.
In recent years, global supply chain disruptions have posed additional challenges. By proactively investing in local manufacturing capabilities and forging strategic partnerships, the company has been able to maintain reliability and meet the growing demand for its products. Early on, Omar and his team recognized the importance of placing manufacturing facilities within customer communities as a way of giving back and strengthening local economies. This vision has proven invaluable, as it has positioned the company well to meet various domestic content requirements while also mitigating the negative impact of emerging tariffs. Through strategic foresight and a commitment to innovation, the company continues to navigate industry challenges while reinforcing its leadership in aeration technology.
Smart Treatment Solutions
The wastewater treatment industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades. Omar reflects on this evolution, stating, “When we started, energy efficiency and automation were not top priorities for many municipalities.” Today, however, cities and industries are increasingly prioritizing innovations that reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and minimize environmental impact. APG-Neuros has been at the forefront of this shift, pioneering high-efficiency turbo blower technology, setting new benchmarks in aeration systems, and driving the adoption of smart wastewater treatment solutions.
What sets APG-Neuros apart is its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and technological leadership. The company does not merely manufacture equipment; it engineers reliable, efficient solutions that redefine industry standards. Its turbo blower technology has led to significant energy savings for municipalities, and it has remained ahead of the curve by integrating advanced control systems and real-time performance monitoring. Additionally, APG-Neuros places a strong emphasis on customer support and long-term service commitments, ensuring that clients maximize the value of their investments. Through innovation, reliability, and a forward-thinking approach, the company continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wastewater treatment.
Game-Changing Aeration
According to Omar, one of APG-Neuros’ most groundbreaking projects was the deployment of its large 1 MW turbo blower technology at the Metro Wastewater Recovery Facility in Denver, Colorado, in 2019. This project significantly reduced energy consumption in aeration processes by over 20% while demonstrating an impressive availability level of over 99% during five years and 20,000 operating hours. Not only did this milestone showcase the reliability and power of APG-Neuros’ technology, but it also set a benchmark for the next wave of innovations aimed at large wastewater treatment plants worldwide.
Furthermore, the launch of APG-Neuros’ next-generation turbo blowers and advanced aeration controls has been a game-changer for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. By integrating smart controls and diagnostics powered by artificial intelligence, these innovations enable wastewater treatment facilities to optimize performance, minimize downtime, and proactively address maintenance needs. This forward-thinking approach continues to solidify APG-Neuros’ position as an industry leader in energy-efficient and intelligent wastewater treatment solutions.
Reducing Carbon Footprints
Sustainability has been at the core of APG-Neuros’ mission since its inception. The company’s turbo blowers play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption, which directly lowers carbon emissions from wastewater treatment plants. By enhancing operational efficiency and extending equipment lifespan, APG-Neuros helps cities minimize waste and optimize their treatment processes. Additionally, a significant portion of the company’s revenue is reinvested in research and development to drive innovation in next-generation solutions. These advancements focus on improving aeration efficiency, automating operations, integrating renewable energy sources, and aligning with global sustainability goals. Through these efforts, APG-Neuros continues to lead the way in environmentally responsible wastewater treatment technologies.
The Best Is Yet to Come
Omar expresses his deep gratitude to his team, emphasizing that APG-Neuros’ success over the past 20 years has been built on the dedication of its employees, the trust of its customers, and the collaboration of its partners. Together, they have transformed the wastewater treatment industry, making it more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready. As the company celebrates this milestone, Omar reaffirms their commitment to driving innovation and delivering solutions that create a lasting impact, stating, “The best is yet to come.”
Looking ahead, Omar envisions further advancements in digitalization within wastewater treatment by integrating AI-driven analytics and automation into APG-Neuros’ solutions. The company also plans to expand its global footprint, ensuring that municipalities worldwide have access to its industry-leading technology. Sustainability will remain a key driver of innovation as APG-Neuros explores new ways to optimize energy use and reduce environmental impact.
Shaping the Future of Water
Omar’s advice to future leaders and innovators in the wastewater treatment industry is to embrace change and challenge the status quo. He emphasizes that innovation is critical for addressing global water challenges, and the next generation of leaders must focus on developing smarter, more sustainable solutions. He also underscores the importance of collaboration, urging future professionals to work closely with engineers, municipalities, and environmental organizations to drive meaningful progress. By fostering partnerships and pushing the boundaries of technology, the industry can continue evolving to meet the growing demands of sustainability and efficiency.
