Our History
1984
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_logo.jpg)
It all starts at the Danulat home with a solid vision and innovative ideas
1985
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_110_AF10.jpg)
The first instrument (Model 110/AF10) successfully controls a centrifugal separator
1986
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_Founders.jpg)
Six motivated employees join the team at our first 200qm (2,200 sq ft) facility in Essen, Germany
1990
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_LoadingRamp.jpg)
optek GmbH rents a larger facility with 1000qm (10,800 sq ft)
1991
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_x12.jpg)
The optek X12 and X52 system series are well received by industry
1993
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_WestBend.jpg)
Branch operations open in The Netherlands and the United States. First focus given to the biotech industry
1996
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_x16_x56.jpg)
System series X16 and X56 are developed in our EMC laboratory
1999
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_C4000.jpg)
New platform, Control 4000 is released to handle multiple sensors
2001
![](https://www.optek.com/img/optek/History_Essen2001small.jpg)
optek builds its own facilities, 2700qm (29,100 sq ft) in Essen, Germany for future development
2002
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_Germantown_Office.jpg)
U.S. team expands into their own building in Germantown, Wisconsin
2004
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_Electrochemical.jpg)
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
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_HazeFamily.jpg)
New Haze Control converter with DTF16 released.
2007
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_Singapore_HQ.jpg)
Branch operation opens in Singapore. C4000 and Haze Control Converters upgraded to next generation
2008
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_FC_DT9011.jpg)
Fermenter Control Converter and the Laboratory System DT9011 upgraded to next generation. optek calibration laboratory in Germany officially opened
2009
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_profibus.jpg)
Numerous optek instruments upgraded with Profibus® PA capabilities
2010
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_china_office.jpg)
optek's global expansion continues with the opening of our Chinese branch in Shanghai
2011
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_C8000.jpg)
Over 60 countries served by our distributor network. C8000 series launched combining photometric and electrochemical sensors
2014
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_2014.jpg)
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
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_2016.jpg)
Production and development move into the new building. Improved facilities and processes continue to ensure our high quality and capability for continuous growth.
2017
![](https://www.optek.com/img/optek/History_SUC04.jpg)
2018
![](https://www.optek.com/img/optek/History_ACS60.jpg)
2019
![](https://www.optek.com/img/optek/History_hastelloy-electrodes.jpg)
2020
![](https://www.optek.com/img/optek/History_suc2.0.jpg)
2021
![](https://www.optek.com/img/optek/History_c800.jpg)
2022
![](https://www.optek.com/images/History_2005.jpg)
We continue to grow! Expansion of worldwide activities and product developments in focus!