Precision laser scan system manufacturer SCANLAB (Puchheim, Germany) has a new affiliate company. TechInvest Holding, the parent company of SCANLAB, is taking a 25% stake in the Israeli firm HOLO/OR (Ness Ziona, Israel), a company that has pioneered the development of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) for industrial applications. By integrating these micro-optical components, such as beam shapers, with its scanning components and systems, SCANLAB can increase the fields of application for its products.
Diffractive optical elements can be used to specifically shape laser beams. DOEs have microstructures etched into a substrate using a lithographic process. The substrate is typically glass, but plastics, metals, or semiconductors can also be used.
Experienced player
The Israeli company is regarded as an experienced player and leader in this market segment. Founded by Israel Grossinger 31 years ago, HOLO/OR—a company familiar to the Laser Focus World audience (as is SCANLAB)—is one of only a few suppliers capable of producing DOEs, for example beamsplitters and shapers, with high damage thresholds that can stand up to high-power laser outputs. Its expertise encompasses not just design and fabrication, but also in-house simulation software.
TechInvest Holding, the parent company of SCANLAB, acquired a quarter of all HOLO/OR shares in August 2020. Over the coming years, the holding company will take over all remaining shares in several steps. The acquired company will retain its independence and collaborate closely with sister company SCANLAB on a number of projects. In addition to planned technical innovations, sales will be combined.
“I am very pleased in finding a suitable partner to whom I can gradually transfer responsibility for my company—and thereby entrust ‘my life’s work’ to good hands,” says Israel Grossinger, owner and president of HOLO/OR. “As a founder and entrepreneur, one has not only responsibility for his team, but also a wish to see his vision carried forward. And this is exactly what our collaboration feels like.”
“Talks with the team in Israel were very constructive right from the beginning and driven by shared ideas,” says TechInvest Holding executive board member Dirk Thomas in explaining the new investment’s advantages. “We’re convinced the gained optical expertise will result in a new generation of highly integrated scan systems.”
Source: SCANLAB
