Qmicro expects growth acceleration in gas analysis under Swiss ownership

Listed Swiss manufacturer Sensirion of flow and environmental sensors has acquired Qmicro, an Enschede-based SME specialized in MEMS-based microtechnology for gas analyses. Unlike most of Sensirion’s existing products, Qmicro’s miniaturized gas chromatographs (GCs) are capable of analyzing gas mixtures, which is exactly what piqued the interest of the Swiss. “The ability to selectively and accurately determine the constituents of gas mixtures is difficult to realize with sensor technology alone. Sensirion, therefore, saw a great opportunity to expand their product portfolio,” explains managing director Mark Kok of Qmicro.

From Qmicro’s perspective, the deal made sense because it will accelerate growth, says Kok. “Technologically, we expect that combining our knowledge in gas chromatography with Sensirion’s expertise in MEMS, industrialization and sensor development allows for further miniaturization. This will facilitate integration in customers’ systems and extend our scope. In addition, we get access to Sensirion’s extended global marketing and sales network.”