Ambitious plans for Demcon Campus in Enschede

Technology company with roots in the Twente region in the Province of Overijssel in the Netherlands presents its vision for the future

Technology developer and producer Demcon has presented an ambitious vision for the future. Demcon had its start in 1993 as a spin-off of the University of Twente and today has over 750 employees and locations in four countries. The company has grand plans for the Demcon Campus in Enschede. The Campus provide space for further growth in an inspiring working environment with the potential of contributing to reinforcing the Twente region’s economy. This is how CEO Dennis Schipper wants to give back to the region what he himself and his company have received over many years. “We are able to show that things happen here. That tomorrow here already starts today.”

Demcon’s founders, Dennis Schipper and Peter Rutgers, studied mechanical engineering at the University of Twente. In 1993, they started up a mechatronics design firm in Enschede. Mechatronics combines disciplines such as mechanics, electronics and software to design high-quality technical devices and systems. The two still manage the company, Schipper as CEO and Rutgers as the company’s technical conscience. The company grew steadily and they moved to bigger premises, first in Hengelo and later in Oldenzaal, both in the Province of Overijssel. In 2013, they moved to the former Ericsson building at the Business & Science Park. This is located opposite the University of Twente, the current Knowledge Park, says Schipper. “As such we returned to the environment where we had our start 25 years earlier. In the meantime, Demcon also has locations in Best, Delft, Groningen and Maastricht, all close to universities/universities of applied sciences where young talent and entrepreneurs (especially in the technical area) are to be found. Three years ago, Demcon also established branches abroad in Münster (Germany), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore. The company has customers around the world, including Europe, Asia and America. Last year, Demcon was in the news with their rapid development and delivery of respiratory systems for corona patients in intensive care.

Impact
A key focus of the future vision is the impact Demcon intends to have. “We accomplish that by developing technological solutions for social challenges. This concerns innovative systems and products with smart applications in various sectors, such as healthcare, safety, water, energy and communication. In addition to technological innovation we also devote our efforts to promoting entrepreneurship and investing in talent and education.” Demcon specifically aims to have an impact in the region, says Schipper. “What comes to mind here is economic growth and new employment opportunities; it is well-known that every highly educated employee in a company on average is good for two jobs elsewhere in the region.”

Enschede
Demcon has much impact in the Twente region where the company has its roots. 500 people work here in 18,000 square feet of housing, including 1,500 square feet of research and laboratory space occupies. Eight years ago, when the company returned to Enschede, this was only 130 people and 500 square meters. “In addition, we contributed to financing an endowed professor at the University of Twente and a lector at the Saxion university of applied sciences, for example. We also have close ties with the Twente Regional Training Center (ROC). Many graduates from both institutions find jobs with us.” Demcon also has an impact on the surrounding regions of its other locations. “We intend to use our plans for Enschede as a blueprint for our other locations. By developing a campus we attempt to create an inspiring environment and space for growth.”