Demcon sells Dutch United Instruments to American QED
Delft becomes European headquarters for metrology expert DUI.
Published on June 8, 2025
© DUI
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Technology company Demcon is selling its stake in Dutch United Instruments (DUI) to QED Technologies International. With this acquisition, the American company QED becomes the sole owner of DUI, which specializes in contactless measurement of optical components such as lenses and mirrors. DUI's location in Delft will become QED's new European headquarters.
DUI was founded in 2017 to market the Nanomefos technology developed by TNO. With support from TNO and Demcon, among others, the company grew into a successful scale-up. “As a technology partner and co-investor, we have contributed to that development,” says Demcon CEO Dennis Schipper. “Now that DUI is continuing to grow under the QED banner, we are keen to remain involved as a technology partner.”
DUI's technology is important for applications in fields such as astronomy, space travel, medical technology, defense, and the semiconductor industry. The company has now sold sixty measuring machines, most of which have already been installed at customers in Europe and China.
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Strategic step
According to DUI director Gerard van den Eijkel, the acquisition fits in with the growth strategy: “QED supplies high-quality polishing machines that perfectly complement our metrology solutions. Together, we offer a total package that the market demands.” DUI will continue to operate under QED from Delft, with Van den Eijkel at the helm. Rens Henselmans, co-founder and CTO of DUI, will lead QED's global metrology activities.
Michael Mohammadi, CEO of QED, speaks of a strategic step: “With DUI, we are strengthening our position in the field of precision optics and expanding our presence in Europe. We are not only adding leading-edge technology to our portfolio, but also an experienced team.”
The acquisition marks a new phase for DUI and underlines the importance of collaboration between knowledge institutions and technology companies in the Netherlands.