Qubus and IFO celebrate their 30th anniversary

Qubus and IFO celebrate their 30th anniversary: For three decades, the group of companies from Schwäbisch Gmünd has been offering services such as consulting and testing laboratories from a single source for surface technology companies.

Three decades ago, the Qubus and IFO group of companies started out with a clear vision: to provide services from a single source for surface technology companies. Today, 30 years later, the founders can look back on an extraordinary success story - with over 100 employees, more than 4,000 customers in 75 countries worldwide and locations in Germany, the United Arab Emirates, China and the Netherlands.

What began in 1995 with the idea of four surface specialists who were friends has developed into an internationally recognized network of experts. Their goal at the time: to support the entire surface technology process chain with professional solutions - from planning and plant construction to environmental and energy management, independent laboratory analysis, expert opinions and research.

The group of companies combines two complementary pillars: On the one hand, Qubus Planung und Beratung Oberflächentechnik GmbH, which focuses on consulting services relating to management systems, environmental protection and occupational safety, fire protection as well as plant and factory planning. The second is IFO Institut für Oberflächentechnik GmbH, an independent, accredited testing laboratory for coatings and coating systems. Material and coating tests, corrosion and climate tests as well as residual dirt analyses are carried out in modern laboratories. The laboratory competence center offers a wide range of testing and expert opinion services, quality assurance and certifications.

From use on the Burj Khalifa to electromobility: the topics with which customers approach Qubus and IFO are as diverse as their expertise. Inquiries mainly come from the construction industry, architecture and the automotive industry. "But the area of functional coating systems - for example for hydrogen pipelines - will also play an increasingly important role in the coming years," says Marc Holz, Managing Director at the IFO Institute for many years.

Company founders Michael Müller, Christian Deyhle, Ulrich Mäule and Hans Pfeifer look back on many milestones in their anniversary year: "From the very beginning, we have focused on sustainable structures and professional depth. Our aim was and is to deliver solutions that you can rely on - independent, competent and customer-oriented."

A decisive step in the company's development was the transfer of the shares to a foundation under civil law in 2018. This not only secured the long-term independence of the company, but also laid the foundation for a successful generational change. The further expansion of the international locations is also on the agenda for the group of companies: a company expansion in Eastern Europe is planned and the further expansion of the locations in Asia and the United Arab Emirates is also on the agenda. "We are encountering open and very dynamic markets there," says Holz.

What began 30 years ago with an idea is now a medium-sized global player with a clear strategy for the future. In the coming years, the focus will be on innovation, internationalization and promoting young talent. The company is well positioned for future challenges: structurally sound, broadly based in terms of content and supported by a strong team spirit.

The 30th anniversary of Qubus and IFO was celebrated last weekend together with employees and invited guests at a summer party - a successful occasion to toast what has been achieved and to look to the future with gratitude and motivation. (OM-7/25)