coatmaster acquires CoatChecker to drive the future innovation of the non-destructive measurement of coatings

15.06.2021 09:43, Guillaume Tinsel

Both startups are Venture Kick alumni and have their roots at the ZHAW School of Engineering. They focused on the non-destructive measurement of coatings. Now, the already internationally established coatmaster AG has acquired CoatChecker GmbH, which was founded in 2016.

The acquisition combines the technological advances of both companies into a single portfolio to drive future innovation. Customers of both organizations will now benefit from a broader range of technologies for non-contact coating thickness measurement.

CoatChecker GmbH is a specialist in the field of non-destructive measurement of insulation coatings. Ten years ago, the multiple award-winning coatmaster AG was founded to develop and market solutions based on Advanced Thermal Optics (ATO) technology for fast, non-contact, and non-destructive coating thickness measurement. Currently, coatmaster products are used in highly automated production lines within the automotive, white goods, and other industries at more than 1,000 locations worldwide.

The global coating industry is worth approximately EUR 100 billion per year and can realize savings of approximately 30% on coating materials through improved process control with coatmaster’s Advanced Thermal Optics (ATO) technology. In addition to coating material savings, this results in higher efficiency, reduced scrap and warranty claims, and lower CO2 emissions.

Prof. Dr. Nils Reinke, co-founder and co-CEO of coatmaster, commented, “Customers are at the heart of our growth strategy, and this acquisition will help ensure the continued strength of our measurement technology and our position in the market.”

Coatchecker won Venture Kick Stage 2 in 2007. coatmaster won Venture Kick stage 3 in 2011, participated in Venture Leaders in 2011, and was one of the TOP 100 Swiss Startups from 2011 to 2015.