OWS’ fruitful research efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The Dutch Normec Group, which specializes in testing, inspection and certification (TIC) and compliance, took an interest in the lab group from Ghent. After one year of negotiating, acquisition talks have ended on a high note. OWS is now part of Vlam-N-Vest, a subsidiary of Normec, which employs 150 people at its branches in Wevelgem, Wetteren and Puurs, Flanders. Both the Dranco project and research activities will continue under the new ownership.

Normec is considered the number one in its field. Through takeovers, the Dutch group has grown into a major player, recording EUR 130 million in turnover and employing 1,100 people in the Benelux and Germany. The deal with OWS offers the Normec Group the possibility to expand its range of services. It aims to become a European TIC player offering a one-stop-shop for solutions in the domains of life, safety and environment.

Last year, OWS recorded a net profit of EUR 1.4 million and EUR 17.9 million in turnover. Employing 115 people in Flanders, Germany, the US and Japan, the firm aims to increase its turnover to EUR 25 million in 2020. Currently, new plants are under construction in Leuven and Dendermonde, two cities in Flanders, representing a total investment of EUR 33 million.