Based on their passion for technology, Dennis Schipper and Peter Rutgers start up the mechatronics design firm Demcon. After completing their doctoral research and studies, they start up in a small room at the University of Twente (UT) in Enschede, the Netherlands.

Demcon works on various areas such as logistics automation and medical products, and develops its own real-life robot that keeps patients company. This way the company starts to grow and this growth is followed by moves to Hengelo and later, in 2004, to Oldenzaal.

ASML becomes a customer for the design and production of qualification tools for components of their complex lithography machines. A spectacular European project results in a laser cleaning station for paintings.

Dennis – the entrepreneur – and Peter – the technical guru – receive the Van den Kroonenberg Award for young entrepreneurship from UT. A recognition of their entrepreneurial spirit and stimulating contribution to mechatronics in the region.

From the very outset, Demcon builds prototypes and one-off versions of systems and machines. Thanks to the acquisition of micro-assembly and metal powder injection moulding firms, the company is also able to focus on serial production.

Finapres Medical Systems is acquired. This highlights the company’s medical technology ambitions and the ability to market its own products. As the years progress, Demcon covers increasingly
more markets and competencies.

The opening of a second branch in Eindhoven (and later in Son and now Best) is a key milestone. Demcon here is located close to major customers and there is room for Macawi, which develops innovative respiration technology.

From Oldenzaal, Demcon returns home to Enschede. Close to the University of Twente (UT), where it all started, there is room for further growth and support for high-tech start-ups and scale-ups.

With the acquisition of Systec GmbH in Münster (DE), Demcon takes a first step towards establishing a branch across the border. In the meantime, operating bases have been established in Singapore and Japan that provide access to the promising Asian market.

Demcon demonstrates its innovation strength and entrepreneurship. The company at breakneck speed manages to develop a comprehensive ventilation system for intensive care corona patients. Demcon industrial systems builds a modular mask production machine.