OETI, a member of the Testex Group and a renowned provider of testing and certification services for textile work clothing, has recently acquired ECS, a German testing and certification company specializing in eye and face protection equipment. This strategic move expands OETI’s service portfolio in the PPE sector and reinforces its commitment to meeting the growing demands for safety and compliance in the industry.
ECS GmbH, based in Aalen, Germany, has been a leading independent testing institution for personal protection products for 15 years. The company specializes in testing and evaluating eye and face protection equipment, including occupational health and safety goggles, welding shields, laser protection filters, and various types of protective eyewear. With its global presence and expertise, ECS has gained a strong reputation in laser applications and welding work.
With the acquisition, OETI solidifies its position as a comprehensive provider of testing and certification services for personal protective equipment. Since its establishment in 1983, OETI has been a trusted partner for testing textile work clothing and certifying it in compliance with EU standards. The company became a Notified Body in 1995, enabling it to conduct type-examinations and quality assurance monitoring of PPE end products.
OETI’s decision to acquire ECS reflects its internationalization strategy, as it aims to expand its presence across all five continents. The addition of ECS to the Testex Group’s distribution channels will facilitate the global expansion of ECS’s services, enabling both companies to offer customers a unique and comprehensive package of testing and certification solutions.
The acquisition also opens up new service areas for OETI. While OETI primarily focuses on textile-based protective clothing and gloves, ECS specializes in eye protection equipment. This integration enhances OETI’s product portfolio and strengthens its ability to provide a full range of testing and certification services for both textile and non-textile PPE products.
The ECS location in Aalen will be retained, and all employees will continue their work under the leadership of the new managing director, Dipl.-Ing. Rolf Diebolder. Diebolder, with his extensive experience in managing scientific and technical projects, as well as research in medical laser therapies and applications, brings valuable expertise to the team. Diebolder envisions a joint strategy between OETI and ECS, with a focus on developing laser-safe textiles for the growing market of handheld laser welding devices, which require protective gloves and jackets.
Josef Wagenleitner, OETI’s business development manager, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “ECS is an experienced and knowledgeable partner for the conformity assessment of eye protection equipment. It’s a perfect addition to our existing PPE product portfolio.”
Judith Pointner, head of textile technology and PPE at OETI, highlighted the benefits of the acquisition for customers with diverse PPE portfolios. She emphasized that while existing customers will continue to receive the same high-quality services, the expanded portfolio enables OETI to provide comprehensive testing and certification solutions from a single source.
The acquisition of ECS GmbH marks a significant milestone in OETI’s internationalization strategy. By pursuing both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, OETI aims to strengthen its position in the global market and further enhance its capabilities in meeting the evolving needs of the PPE industry.
Robert Löcker, MBA, OETI’s managing director, concluded, “This purchase is another milestone in our internationalization strategy. We are committed to providing exceptional testing and certification services, and this acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision for the future.”