Our History

1984

It all starts at the Danulat home with a solid vision and innovative ideas

1985

The first instrument (Model 110/AF10) successfully controls a centrifugal separator

1986

Six motivated employees join the team at our first 200qm (2,200 sq ft) facility in Essen, Germany

1990

optek GmbH rents a larger facility with 1000qm (10,800 sq ft)

1991

The optek X12 and X52 system series are well received by industry

1993

Branch operations open in The Netherlands and the United States. First focus given to the biotech industry

1996

System series X16 and X56 are developed in our EMC laboratory

1999

New platform, Control 4000 is released to handle multiple sensors

2001

optek builds its own facilities, 2700qm (29,100 sq ft) in Essen, Germany for future development

2002

U.S. team expands into their own building in Germantown, Wisconsin

2004

optek introduces new product lines including the electrochemical analyzer series C200 with pH and conductivity sensors. New optek ASD probes are released along with the Fermenter Control Converter

2005

New Haze Control converter with DTF16 released.

2007

Branch operation opens in Singapore. C4000 and Haze Control Converters upgraded to next generation

2008

Fermenter Control Converter and the Laboratory System DT9011 upgraded to next generation. optek calibration laboratory in Germany officially opened

2009

Numerous optek instruments upgraded with Profibus® PA capabilities

2010

optek's global expansion continues with the opening of our Chinese branch in Shanghai

2011

Over 60 countries served by our distributor network. C8000 series launched combining photometric and electrochemical sensors

2014

optek introduces an optional FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus Interface for the C4000, C8000 and Haze control converters. New products introduced include the ASD12 probes together with a software upgrade of the C4000 and C8000 converter, which allows the connection of ASD probes. Additionally for disposable biotech systems the Single Use Cell (S.U.C.) is released.

2016

Production and development move into the new building. Improved facilities and processes continue to ensure our high quality and capability for continuous growth.