celebrating 90 years Veco | 1994 - 2024

from past to future: our dynamic history

1934 - 1964

"The Pioneering Years"

1964 - 1994

"Expansion and Diversification"

1994 - 2024

"On to the Future"

1994 - 2024: "On to the future"

growth in the sugar industry

The last 30 years began with the acquisition of Balco GmbH. This German manufacturing company played a significant role in the sugar industry, in which Veco has since become a major player. Veco closed the production facility but retained the sales office. With the acquisition of Balco, Veco gained better control over this market, and the sales of sugar sieves grew even further. It wasn’t until 2021 that the sales office was closed, and the sale of sugar sieves was fully integrated into the operations in Eerbeek.

Before the turn of the millennium, Veco also made further investments in sugar production. In 1996, a new fully automated and nearly chemically sealed chromium plating line was commissioned. Due to the acquisition of Balco and organic growth, significant expansion was required in the Standard Galvano department in the mid-1990s. More and larger flat baths were added. The company moved away from the old die-casting system for Standard Galvano, the family assembly via a Cuma, patrijs, die system. Instead, the company adopted the copy-die system, which is still in use today. This represented a significant change in the production of sugar sieves and shaving foils. Thanks to clever in-house developments, the dies could be reused multiple times in the electroforming process.

The emission of chromium (VI) and the potential exposure of operators is minimized by this closed system. This is confirmed by the monitoring of emissions into the outside air and by regularly measuring chromium levels at the operator level. These measurements for chromium, as well as for nickel, have been carried out annually up to the present day.

An interesting detail: this chromium plating line will be decommissioned in 2024, after having been in operation for over 28 years to chrome plate the sugar sieves that are sold worldwide.

In 2001, a complete sugar sieve line was even set up abroad, specifically in India, at a machine factory of Stork Prints in Ahmedabad. The company is called Stovec, an abbreviation of Stork Veco. The main reason for producing in India was that Veco had little market share in the country, despite the enormous sugar market in India. A competitor of Veco dominated the Indian market.

further professionalization

In the last 30 years, Veco has made tremendous strides as a company. This professionalization was visible on multiple fronts. Below, we briefly discuss progress in the areas of quality, marketing & sales, and, of course, technological growth.

Introduction to Quality Management

In the 1990s, Veco took significant steps towards professionalization. Improvement methodologies such as TQM, IPI, and MBO were implemented, alongside quality assurance programs like Integrated Quality Management (IKZ). Achieving certifications became a key focus to ensure quality and reliability:

1996: First ISO certification achieved (ISO 9000).
1998: Environmental management certification (ISO 14001).
2000: First OHSAS certification.

These certifications, later followed by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, are, as of 2024, crucial for the company’s continuity and the trust of both existing and potential customers.

An unexpected crisis in 2011 briefly put Veco in a difficult position. The company was wrongly listed among BRZO companies that did not comply with regulations. This led to negative media attention. Thanks to swift action and accurate documentation, Veco was removed from the list, quickly calming the situation and restoring the company’s reputation.

In 1998, Veco took an important step in its marketing strategy with the launch of the first “Stork Veco” website. This digital platform marked a new era in the way the company reaches customers and shares information. Since its launch, the website has been regularly updated and now plays an indispensable role in customer communication. It has become a dynamic tool for Veco to highlight its innovative nature and customer focus.

At the same time, Veco expanded its international presence by setting up sales offices and partnering with agents in various countries. This global growth was supported by annual sales meetings, which gained increasing importance. During these meetings, the technology and sales departments come together to exchange valuable market insights and technical knowledge. This intensive process of knowledge sharing has not only strengthened Veco’s innovations but also elevated the company’s customer focus to a higher level.

Innovations in Marketing and Technology

In 1998, Veco launched the first “Stork Veco” website, a significant step in its marketing strategy. Since then, the website has been regularly updated and, as of 2024, plays a crucial role in customer communication. Additionally, Veco has expanded internationally with sales offices and agents. Annual sales meetings have become increasingly important:

The technology and sales departments collaborate to exchange market insights and technical knowledge.
This knowledge sharing strengthens both innovation and customer focus.

Modernization of Precision Galvano

In 2000, Veco developed a master plan for the modernization of its Precision Galvano department, focusing on process control and cleaner operations. Despite economic headwinds in Europe, such as bankruptcies in the PCB and LCD industries, Veco successfully implemented its plans. This included acquiring second-hand lithography machines, measuring equipment, and a large cleanroom. Additionally, the labor-intensive photography department underwent a complete overhaul. A laser photoplotter replaced traditional processes and was integrated with CAD software, allowing films to be produced directly from digital designs.

These investments made the department more efficient and improved product quality, further strengthening Veco’s position as an innovative market leader. With considerable effort from both internal staff and international partners, all installations were completed and successfully started up. The official opening in 2004 coincided with Veco’s 70th anniversary and was celebrated with open days for employees and customers, as well as the presentation of a self-made company film.

key product developments of the last 30 years

Veco has a rich history in product development. Over the years, the possibilities of electroforming have also evolved. Whether through the acquisition of new machines, in-house developments, or in response to customer requests, Veco has created a wide range of new products over the past 30 years. Below is a brief summary of some key product groups.

Various product developments

In the 1990s, Veco developed printing plates for a large German printing machine manufacturer. These innovative plates, featuring a chrome-plated surface and millions of nickel spheres, were produced in large quantities for many years. Although this product line was discontinued in 2023, it laid the foundation for Veco’s focus on precision products and more advanced technologies. To support this technological growth, Veco established various Business Units that specialize in specific markets and applications.

SMT (Surface Mount Technology): Veco produces unique plates for the SMT industry, using techniques such as etching, electroforming, and laser technology. By investing in LPKF lasers and automatic film plotters, production lead times were significantly reduced, allowing Veco to deliver high-quality solutions.
Diesel and gasoline injectors:In the 1990s, Veco took over a process from Rochester (USA) for the production of highly precise diesel injectors for trucks. Around 2005, Veco expanded this expertise to gasoline injectors for small gasoline engines. The company achieved ISO-TS 16949 certification, meeting the high-quality standards of the automotive industry.

Nebulizers: from consumer to medical applications

Starting in 2002, Veco expanded its operations into the production of atomizers, beginning with the introduction of precision atomizers for consumer products. In 2006, Veco launched a project to develop medical nebulizers in collaboration with a U.S. partner. This initiative led to the creation of a fully automated production line and a new electroforming process. Although part of the project was eventually discontinued, another medical application evolved into a key product group for Veco.

As of 2024, teams are working on developing a dual-layer nebulizer with perforations as small as 2 microns, meeting the highest quality standards. Collaboration with medical clients has provided Veco with valuable experience in Six Sigma and stringent quality management, further strengthening the company’s expertise.

Inkjet technology: a thriving market

Veco’s journey into industrial inkjet production, which began in the 1990s, proved to be a major success. Initially, the company focused on both consumer and industrial inkjets, but in 2015, Veco shifted its entire focus to industrial applications, discontinuing the consumer inkjet production. Through various innovations offering protection against corrosion caused by chemical inks, Veco was able to refine its technology further. In 2008, the company, in collaboration with a Swiss partner, developed a fully automated plating line.

The introduction of the 1024-nozzle inkjet head in 2015 led to a significant increase in revenue, becoming Veco’s largest contributor to turnover. This product was awarded the “Best Supplier Award” in both 2008 and 2015, confirming the company’s successful trajectory.

Veco’s continued emphasis on innovation, precision, and close collaboration with its customers has resulted in groundbreaking technologies and a strong market position. From SMT and nebulizers to inkjets, the company continues to grow, fueled by a unique combination of technical expertise and customer focus.

preparing for further growth

Over the years, Veco has proven itself as an innovative player in the industry, even during times of global crises. From the financial crisis in 2008 to strategic acquisitions and the modernization of production facilities, the company has repeatedly demonstrated resilience and creativity. This period has been characterized by a combination of growth, technological advancements, and strengthening of the internal organization, laying the foundation for Veco’s future success.

Veco’s growth and solutions during global crises

Over the years, Veco has successfully developed various products despite several global crises. The dot-com bubble in 2002, concerns over the introduction of the Euro, and the 2008 financial crisis all had significant impacts. However, Veco managed to mitigate the damage, sometimes through creative solutions:

2008-2009: The financial crisis caused a sharp decline in the order portfolio. Veco avoided layoffs by placing a large number of employees on part-time unemployment benefits.
2009: As the economy recovered, many employees returned to full-time positions at Veco, leading to a rapid rebound for the company.
75th Anniversary: The anniversary was celebrated in a modest manner, reflecting the challenges posed by the crisis.

Changes within the STORK group and Veco’s growth

In 2004, Stork Industrial Components, of which Veco was a part, was split up. Veco was placed under the Stork Prints Group (SPG), which became independent in 2007. Remaining part of SPG enabled Veco to continue its growth.

To support its expansion plans, Veco acquired several companies. In 2008, it acquired the UK-based company Tecan, an etching company with a small electroforming division. Following the acquisition, productivity in the UK saw a significant boost:

Tecan: Veco employees successfully elevated both organizational and technical processes.

Production Transfer: Veco’s etching processes were moved to the UK, including the production of flow meters for the semiconductor industry and complex products for banknote manufacturers.
2017: The transfer of electroforming production to Veco was successfully completed.

Modernization and strengthening of production facilities

In Eerbeek, an outdated etching department was dismantled, accelerating the modernization of the precision galvano department. This process was completed in 2012 with the opening of a renovated inspection station for industrial inkjets, attended by the mayor of Brummen.

However, at the end of 2012, significant damage occurred in the lithography department due to a burst water pipe. A swift alternative was found, and the lithography cleanroom was expanded to repair the damage.

New Equipment: New machinery was installed, including a spin coater, an exposure unit, and various measuring equipment.
2016: The entire project was completed in phases, including the phase-out of outdated equipment.

These changes allowed Veco to continuously improve its production capacity and respond to the growing demand in the industry.

Renovation and enhancement of the laboratory

Between 2016 and 2017, Veco decided to completely renovate its aging company laboratory in Eerbeek to modernize its facilities. The ground floor of the Photography Building was stripped and redesigned to create a new, state-of-the-art laboratory space. The research department was given a renewed area, complete with fume hoods and test baths, to enhance R&D capabilities. The old laboratory in the R&D building was demolished and transformed into modern offices and meeting rooms, optimizing the workspace to support the company’s growth.

In 2022, a major advancement was achieved with the installation of a Laser Direct Imager, an advanced technology capable of exposing highly precise patterns. These renovations and technological upgrades further strengthen Veco’s position as an industry innovator.

recent developments at Veco

The end of Veco’s second decade was marked by significant challenges and major changes. A promising nebulizer project, which had the potential to generate substantial revenue, came to an abrupt halt. During clinical trials, the medication used with the nebulizer proved ineffective, leading to the immediate termination of the project. However, Veco was able to acquire the already-installed equipment at a reasonable price, providing the company with valuable experience.

In 2018, Veco became independent through a management buyout, backed by the Gilde Group (later Rivian) as a financial partner. Shortly thereafter, the MUON Group was established as a parent organization, encompassing Veco B.V., Tecan Ltd. (UK), Louwers Hanique, Reith Laser (later Millux), and Atul (India). In 2023, STC (USA) was added to the group. During this period, Veco also experienced several changes in its executive leadership.

Preparing for the future

In recent years, Veco has taken significant steps to prepare for the future. A second, state-of-the-art production facility was opened in Arnhem, where part of the regular master production for high-precision products will take place. A new cleanroom was equipped with advanced lithography technology, enabling the production of masters with unprecedented accuracy. Multilayered products, once thought to be unattainable in the industry, are now possible.

Additionally, a production facility was established in Pune, India (Veco Precision India), dedicated to manufacturing large-format sugar sieves. This new plant meets global demand, making the production sites in Ahmedabad and Eerbeek redundant. With this expansion in India, space in Eerbeek is freed up for further future preparations. The relocation of sugar sieve production to India marked a historic moment: production in Eerbeek ceased, and the chrome plating line was dismantled.

Growth plans with IDEX corporation

In 2022, the Muon Group was acquired by IDEX Corporation, a U.S.-based company. Together with IDEX, Veco has set ambitious growth targets, aiming to double its revenue by 2029. To achieve this, Veco is focusing on new product-market combinations, such as contactor probes for semiconductor chip testing and electrodes for hydrogen production. Both industries are experiencing strong growth, presenting Veco with significant expansion opportunities.

The requirements for contactor probes are exceptionally high in terms of dimensional accuracy, material properties, and durability. Veco has developed a multi-layered product featuring a tip just one-fifth the thickness of a human hair. In the hydrogen market, Veco is collaborating with customers to contribute to the energy transition, with promising initial results.

Innovation & Technology

To remain a key player in these emerging industries, innovation is essential. Veco is therefore committed to expanding the capabilities of its technology. As of 2025, Veco can:

Deliver tolerances of 1 micron or smaller
Manufacture features as small as 2 microns
Combine a wide range of materials with different functionalities
Apply functional coatings for enhanced performance

These advancements were captured in an infographic, launched in 2023.

Video: Additive Manufacturing

In this Knol-edge video, Harrie Knol, former Head of Application Engineering at Veco, shares his expertise on precision metal. Before his retirement, Harrie played a key role in supporting our customers’ engineers in shaping their projects. In this first video, he explores additive manufacturing—what it is and how it works.