Endress+Hauser Acquires IMKO Micromodultechnik GmbH
The Endress+Hauser Group announced the acquisition of innovative moisture measurement system manufacturer IMKO Micromodultechnik GmbH, further completing its quality parameter measurement product line. IMKO's headquarters remains in Ettlingen, Germany, and all 19 employees have been retained.
Strategic Significance of the Acquisition
Dr. Andreas Mayr, General Manager of Endress+Hauser GmbH+Co KG, stated: "The moisture measurement technology developed by IMKO can measure other key quality parameters and is a strong complement to our existing process instrumentation." The new company will further complete the product portfolio. He added: "In addition, the technology used by IMKO is very similar to our level measurement technology."
Innovative Technology: TDR Time-Domain Reflectometry Principle
The IMKO system uses time-domain reflectometry (TDR) based on the radar wave time-of-flight principle for moisture measurement. This technology can directly obtain information about the dielectric constant of the medium, and the dielectric constant is directly related to the moisture in the medium.
Dr. Andreas Mayr emphasized: "Compared with other technologies, the advantages of this innovative technology are obvious. The measurement is completely unaffected by the conductivity of the medium. The IMKO system is accurate, reliable, and economical."
Comparison of Technical Advantages
| Comparison Item | IMKO TDR Technology | Traditional Moisture Measurement Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement Principle | Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) | Capacitive, resistive, etc. |
| Influence of Conductivity | Completely unaffected | Susceptible to conductivity interference |
| Measurement Accuracy | High | Moderate |
| Reliability | High | Average |
| Economy | Economical | Higher cost |
Application Areas
Currently, the IMKO system is used to measure moisture in buildings and soil, suitable for environmental monitoring and process applications in the food and beverage, chemical, and life sciences industries.
Dr. Andreas Mayr stated: "This acquisition takes us one step further toward our corporate strategy. In the future, we will provide comprehensive support to various customers from the laboratory to the process field."
Company Background and Future Plans
In 1984, Kurt Köhler founded IMKO. Today, the 67-year-old founder is looking for a capable successor to ensure the company's continued successful operation.
Kurt Köhler said: "Endress+Hauser can bring new customers to our products and open up international markets. Endress+Hauser is a family business and shares the same corporate cultural values as IMKO."
The acquisition officially started on October 1, 2017. After mutual agreement, both parties will strictly keep the acquisition details confidential. A new general manager for IMKO is currently being recruited. Kurt Köhler will remain for one year to help supervise the completion of the entire acquisition process.