Demcon acquires fluid handling specialist Convergence Industry
Technology developer and producer Demcon has acquired Convergence Industry, which specializes in the development of customized fluid and gas systems. Under Demcon’s wings, Convergence can continue to grow in developing high tech fluid handling systems and will be able to even better serve its clients. With Convergence’s expertise in microfluidics, Demcon is strengthening its capabilities in the energy technology and life sciences & health sectors.
In 2010, Convergencestarted off in Enschede as a spin-off of University of Twente (UT) with the development of fluid and gas test systems. Membrane filtration, for example for water purification, was its first application. Convergenceat the time built a membrane characterization testing system. Other applications relate to gas separation systems, leak detection devices, dosing equipment and small pilot process installations.
Complex systems
Over the course of the years, Convergencehas developed numerous complex test solutions. “Often these were small-scale systems,” says founder and CTO Felix Broens. “Over the past 12 years we have evolved to become a precise fluid handling specialist. We have gathered much domain knowledge and developed much expertise in the applicable regulations, such as CE certification, explosion safety and hygienic design for the food sector. Our devices are primarily used by laboratories, including for scientific research and medical diagnostics, and finally also in plants and factories. We have developed an excellent international customer base for this purpose.” The devices produced by Convergencestand out due to their design and ease of operation. The company has approximately 40 employees and aside from Enschede also has had a branch in Delft for the past three years.
Partner for growth
Broens had been looking for a partner for several years to enable the company to continue to grow. “Our relatively small team does not have all of the necessary expertise and competencies in-house for product development. We noticed that clients expected more volume and development capacity from us.” This is why Convergencehad already been working with Demcon on a project basis. “The first time was seven years ago for a large contract with a medical technological company. We produced a functional model for a test device that Demcon then developed in further detail. We did not have the required manpower for this at the time and we also did not have the required ISO certification. After several joint projects, we started up discussions, with the result that Convergencehas been added to the Demcon group.
Complementary
The two companies are complementary, says Edwin Gerritsen, business developerat Demcon. “In our joint projects we have come to know Convergenceas a highly competent party in fluid handling technology. For example, we are developing technology for in-vitro diagnostics to be able to quickly and efficiently test patients on-site. They can bring in their knowledge of microfluidic test systems for this purpose. Vice versa, with Demcon production’s expertise and facilities we enable Convergenceto accept larger serial contracts. Together we can carry out large projects for developing customized systems and serve clients more efficiently with a comprehensive service offering. Of course, there are also opportunities for us with their international clients.”
Ambitions
Merging Convergencewith Demcon is consistent with Broens ambition. “This allows me to spend more time growing the company and looking for other markets as well, for example fuel cells.” This is also consistent with Demcon’s ambitions in the field of energy, Gerritsen responds. “Last year we started up Demcon energy systems to develop technology for the energy transition. Convergencecan also connect up with another recent acquisition, Demcon Suster, which with research and process development contributes to greening the process industry.”
Entrepreneurship
Dennis Schipper, CEO of Demcon, is happy with the addition of Convergenceto the Demcon group. “Just like Demcon it is a UT spin-off and that creates a bond. I appreciate the entrepreneurship that has allowed Convergenceto expand into an internationally attractive company. The company is also a good fit for us technologically. It is not by happenstance that with Suster and Convergencewe have added two companies in the chemical and process technology sectors. This awesome expansion of expertise within Demcon enables us to accelerate our ambitions relating to the energy transition and the life sciences & health sector, for example. Together with both companies we aim to create even greater value in these markets.”
About Demcon
Demcon (1.000 employees) develops, produces and supplies technology and innovative products. The Demcon group has locations in Best, Delft, Enschede, Groningen, Maastricht (Netherlands), Munster (Germany), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore. The company was created as a result of the passion of its founders for combining creativity and technical skills focused on solving complex issues. These issues are of a technological and social nature and generally have a direct or indirect impact on people and their everyday lives. Whether this concerns medical systems, systems that monitor our security or sustainable solutions relating to themes such as water and energy, Demcon makes a contribution for current and future generations. In addition to developing technical solutions, Demcon also focuses its efforts on promoting entrepreneurship and investing in talent and education.
