
About
Desalus is a water and food security company dedicated to prospering water-stressed client communities with zero-waste water treatment services while supplying premium food-flourishing fertilizers to those same communities and beyond.
Team
Desalus leadership has a proven track record establishing international businesses in fertilizer production, chemical manufacturing and security services. Building on more than a decade of work establishing significant water stewardship solutions with world-class partners, Desalus remains dedicated to flourishing water-stressed communities.
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})Our Journey
Explore highlights of the journey that formed Desalus over the years:

Early Years
Glenn Howard and John Bewsey form Glenjohn Chemicals making fire extinguisher powder (as well as polyurethane and hydrogen peroxide). Glenjohn Chemicals grows quickly to supply around 80% of the powder required by the South African market. John helps pioneer organic granular fertilizer from reinforced chicken manure with AgroFert, which becomes the seventh largest local fertilizer supplier in South Africa.

Trailblazer Technologies
John Bewsey forms world-class team to develop and perfect what he sees as his gift to mankind: pathways to better lives in water-stressed places.
- John wins IChemE award for new technology in the water category for the KNeW process
- Later John wins second place for ZIX-Zak Ion Exchange system

Glenjohn Capital
Glenn Howard and John Bewsey rejoin forces to establish Glenjohn Capital as a holding company for San Diego-based KNeW Company, formed in 2013.
- Glenn raises first financing round
- KNeW builds first demonstration plant
- John optimizes ZIX-Zak ion exchange
- Glenn raises second financing round
- Glenn's son Aubrey joins to lead operations

KNeW Holdings
Glenn, John and Aubrey refocus the company for better financial, operational and market viability. Global team established to prepare for more significant growth as a resource resilience service.
- KNeW builds full-scale demonstration plant
- Black & Veatch verify plant capabilities
- Yara & other offtake partners verify products
- Insurance policies back tech performance
- Capital partners pave ways for project finance
- Aubrey drives nanobubble system innovations

Howard Vital
With Glenn’s passing in 2025, Aubrey and John lead the company into its growth chapter. Fueled by the 2025 New Mexico Strategic Water Supply act and further optimizations to its core systems, Desalus is mobilizing in the USA mountain west to carry on Glenn’s legacy of transparency, tenacity and care.
- New Mexico passes Strategic Water Supply act
- Desalus forms KNeW Cuba Water for Cuba, NM
- SWA funds Cuba Desalination Research Facility
- Desalus begins facility design at Cuba Village
Our Horizons
Beyond our current work in the USA Mountain West, Desalus stands ready to serve mines, municipalities, and more where we can do well by doing good. Know of a place that needs us?
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