The WA Manufacturer Transforming Access to Clean Water Globally
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The WA Manufacturer Transforming Access to Clean Water Globally
In a world where more than two billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, Western Australian manufacturer Quantum Filtration Medium has become an unexpected global force in clean‑water technology. From its humble beginnings challenging outdated filtration standards, the company now exports its flagship product—DMI‑65®, an advanced catalytic filtration media—to more than 100 countries, helping municipal utilities, industry operators and governments secure safer, more efficient water treatment systems.
The company’s rise is not only a commercial success story—it is a rare example of Australian advanced manufacturing flourishing on the world stage.
Reinventing Water Filtration With DMI‑65®
Quantum Filtration Medium was founded with a single mission: to modernise water filtration. For decades, global water treatment systems relied on legacy filtration media with slow reaction times, heavy chemical use, and high operational costs. The founders believed there had to be a better way.
The solution became DMI‑65®, a high‑performance filtration media produced from locally mined silica sand and infused with a proprietary catalytic coating. Unlike traditional media, which may require large chemical inputs and produce significant waste, DMI‑65® removes heavy metals—particularly iron and manganese—with up to eight times fewer chemicals.
“We were competing with products that had been used for over a century,” said James Glaskin, Director of Quantum Filtration Medium. “But our results spoke for themselves—ten times better performance and a much longer lifespan.”
The product’s unique chemistry provides fast, consistent oxidation of dissolved metals without relying on potassium permanganate or chlorine beyond residual levels. This makes DMI‑65® attractive for drinking water systems, industrial operators, and even agricultural users seeking cleaner, safer water with dramatically lower operating costs.
From Bunbury to Southeast Asia: A Fast-Growing Export Success
Early adoption at Bunbury Health Campus validated DMI‑65®’s performance in the field. But the breakthrough that transformed the company came soon after: strong interest from Southeast Asian utilities and engineering firms.
Through a series of Austrade-supported roadshows and export development initiatives, Quantum Filtration Medium introduced its technology to water authorities across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Africa. These markets faced high iron and manganese levels in groundwater—making DMI‑65® not only viable, but essential.
“It became clear exporting was not just viable—it was vital,” James said.
From there, the company’s international footprint expanded quickly, fuelled by:
- strong product performance
- competitive lifecycle costs
- rising concerns about heavy metals in drinking water
- increasing demand for low‑chemical treatment technology
Today, DMI‑65® is used in desalination plants, municipal water systems, agricultural supply chains and industrial facilities across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America.
A Growth Journey Strengthened by Insight Advisory Group
Exporting at scale brought opportunity—but also complexity. Like many fast‑growing manufacturers, Quantum Filtration Medium faced challenges in capital allocation, reporting, compliance, and long‑term planning.
This is where Insight Advisory Group became a critical partner.
“We were undercapitalised and reliant on cash flow,” the company said. “Insight gave us visibility, structure, and the confidence to invest in R&D and long‑term planning.”
Insight’s support included:
- navigating the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)
- preparing and managing R&D Tax Incentive applications
- supporting compliance with grant obligations
- providing financial strategy, forecasting and board‑level reporting
- year‑end tax and structural planning
- assisting with business cases and documentation for investment
Insight’s work helped Quantum Filtration Medium secure one of the most significant accelerators of its growth: the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund Grant, which enabled construction of a new advanced manufacturing facility in Collie.
“Insight helped us see the path forward—from financial strategy to board meetings and year‑end tax work,” James said.
Next‑Generation Manufacturing: A Tenfold Increase in Production
The new Collie manufacturing plant marks a turning point for the company—and for Western Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector. Harnessing automation and scalable production systems, the facility will increase output tenfold, ensuring the business can meet rapidly growing demand across:
- Southeast Asia
- Africa
- the Middle East
- Europe and North America
Recent testing at Quantum’s specialised laboratory—supported in part by local and national grant programs—has further proven DMI‑65®’s effectiveness in protecting desalination systems, a critical area for nations relying on seawater treatment.
This has opened new opportunities in the Gulf region, North Africa and parts of South Asia, where desalination is the backbone of national water supply.
Keeping Manufacturing in Western Australia
At a time when manufacturing continues to decline across Australia, Quantum Filtration Medium has remained proud of its local roots.
“We could have gone offshore to cut costs,” the company said. “But we’re proud to be building in Western Australia. Exporting WA innovation creates jobs and keeps quality at the core.”
By retaining manufacturing locally, the company ensures:
- strict quality control
- local supply chain resilience
- ongoing regional employment
- WA expertise at the heart of a global technology
The Collie expansion alone supports new regional jobs and helps diversify the local economy.
Advice for Future Exporters: Build Relationships and Seek the Right Support
With over 100 international markets now using DMI‑65®, Quantum Filtration Medium often shares its export insights with emerging Australian manufacturers.
Their message is clear:
1. Partner with advisors who understand scaling and exporting.
Insight’s guidance has been a cornerstone of the company’s growth.
2. Get boots on the ground.
Meeting customers and governments in person accelerated adoption dramatically.
3. Leverage Austrade, EMDG, and Export Finance Australia.
These programs can de‑risk the journey and create vital connections.
A WA Success Story With Global Impact
Quantum Filtration Medium has proven that Western Australian innovation can compete—and thrive—on the global stage. With world‑leading technology, strong international demand, and the right advisory partnership, the company is now positioned as one of Australia’s most important clean‑water exporters.
For Insight Advisory Group, supporting transformative businesses like Quantum Filtration Medium underscores a core mission: helping WA companies scale sustainably, seize global opportunities, and strengthen the industries of the future.
